This report reviews the Inquiry’s core analysis, summarizes progress made in aligning the financial system with sustainable development between 2014 and 2017, reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the Inquiry’s approach, and highlights what still needs to be done and what success could look like. It finds real signs that a shift to a sustainable financial system is well under way.

Recent years have seen an increased popularity of small distributed solar energy systems in low-income communities in Africa and Asia, where at least 95 per cent of the off-grid population reside. Advances in LED technology resulted in improved efficiency—more light emitted per electrical input. Highly polluting lead acid batteries are becoming obsolete, replaced by higher performance lithium ion batteries that provide higher energy storage capacity, longer service life, and faster and more efficient recharging.