Nearly 200 global leaders have gathered in Bilbao for the second Bilbao Bootcamp, an international initiative focused on turning local development priorities into investment-ready projects that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Held from June 9 to 11 at the University of Deusto, the event brings together representatives from governments, development finance institutions, investors, philanthropic organizations, United Nations agencies, and local authorities. The goal is to unlock new sources of public and private financing for communities working to achieve sustainable development targets.
The Bilbao Bootcamp II focuses on creating practical financial solutions that connect local needs with large-scale investment opportunities. The programme supports 12 countries, including Cambodia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, and Thailand, with the ambition of mobilizing more than $340 million in investment.
The initiative builds on the success of the first bootcamp held in 2025, which helped countries develop sustainable projects and attract catalytic funding. This year’s programme aims to strengthen partnerships, improve project design, and create stronger links between local transformation efforts and international finance.
During the opening session, leaders emphasized that achieving the SDGs requires action at the local level, where communities experience challenges and solutions directly. The University of Deusto highlighted the importance of combining innovation, investment, and ethical principles to ensure that financial systems serve people and the planet.
The three-day forum includes project development workshops, technical discussions with potential funders, and presentations of investment proposals. Organizers expect the event to generate new partnerships, identify co-financing opportunities, and accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
By connecting governments, investors, and local actors, the Bilbao Bootcamp aims to create a stronger global financing system that helps transform sustainable development goals into real-world impact.
