#Abu Dhabi #ADFW 2024 #Sustainable Finance

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum: A Milestone for Sustainable Development

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), acting as the international financial center (IFC) of Abu Dhabi, partnered with the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), HSBC, and Smartenergy to host the seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). This essential forum marked the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), underscoring the city’s commitment to sustainable financial development. Held exactly a year after COP28 and just weeks before COP29, the forum provided a significant platform for critical discussions on sustainability in finance.

The forum emphasized initiatives to achieve the UAE's net-zero emissions goals and facilitate the global transition to a sustainable future. Not only did it enhance the status of Abu Dhabi and ADGM as leaders in sustainable finance, but also positioned them as pivotal players in fostering long-term financial strategies that align with sustainability goals.

Key Highlights of the Forum

Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, head and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, delivered an impactful opening speech. She articulated the UAE's leadership in climate initiatives and the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle pressing environmental challenges through integrated financing solutions.

Another compelling moment featured an informal discussion between Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of Alterra, and Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of GCFC, on the world’s largest climate fund's establishment. They shared insights on its progress and capital mobilization strategies during the session titled 'Catalyzing the Future', highlighting Abu Dhabi's bold vision in becoming a global hub for climate financing.

Significant discussions at the ADSFF explored pressing issues in sustainable finance and environmental governance. A notable session included a keynote from Carme Artigas Brugal, co-chair of the UN's AI Advisory Body, where she addressed the UN's strides in establishing international standards for artificial intelligence. Artigas underscored AI's potential to resolve global challenges while advocating for ethical considerations in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM, highlighted ADGM's strategic initiatives focused on sustainable finance. He reaffirmed the authority’s role as a catalyst in the Capital of Green Capital, aligning with the UAE's vision for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As he stated,