ADGM Leads Charge on Sustainable Finance at Abu Dhabi Forum 2025

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 2025: Pioneering the Future

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) launched a significant initiative in the realm of sustainable finance on December 11, 2025, by hosting the 8th edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). This year's forum, executed in collaboration with the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC) and Hanwha, serves as a platform to gather key stakeholders in the climate finance sector, including policymakers, innovative entrepreneurs, and institutional investors. This event reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a vital player in steering the global transition towards a net-zero and nature-positive economy.

During the opening address, Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, elaborated on Abu Dhabi's fast-growing significance as a hub for sustainable finance. His remarks highlighted the ambitious policies being implemented alongside climate-resilient ecosystems promoting impactful global solutions. Al Darei emphasized, "Our commitment is clear - Abu Dhabi will continue to be a destination where capital finds its purpose and that purpose drives progression. As the capital of green finance, we are bridging regions and mobilizing capital for renewable infrastructures and sustainable innovations in both emerging and developed markets.”

The forum is part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) and has addressed essential themes around investment pathways, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border partnerships that will shape the future of climate finance. The session titled “From Ambition to Action: Financing the Green Transition” led by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of Frontier25, provided insights into the efforts made and the necessary steps required to foster a green economy transition in the region.

Throughout the day, the forum hosted panel discussions, keynote speeches, and lively debates focusing on various critical topics such as renewable energy investments, biodiversity funding strategies, AI-powered ESG risk analysis, sustainable Islamic finance, and pioneering climate innovations, including artificial ecosystems and climate-resilient digital infrastructures.

Under the overarching theme of aligning capital with climate ambitions, participants analyzed how financial markets could enhance large-scale investments directed at energy transitions, green infrastructures, and nature-based solutions. A standout session examined how forward-thinking urban planning, proactive policy frameworks, and climate-focused major projects solidify the emirate's position as a global platform for sustainable investment. Experts reflected on how long-term capital, climate resilience strategies, and international collaboration are redefining the green finance landscape.

Additionally, coinciding with the main event was the Women in Finance forum, which convened influential female leaders from global finance, investing, sustainability, and regulation sectors. This forum aimed to enhance inclusion, leadership, and innovation within the industry through sessions like “Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation.” These discussions underscored the pivotal role women play in reshaping financial innovation across global markets.

The ADSFF also showcased the notable advances of the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group, which recently approved new “Principles for Climate Transition Planning,” marking a crucial step toward guiding financial institutions in implementing credible and transparent transition planning aligned with the UAE's net-zero targets.

Moreover, the forum welcomed new signatories to the Abu Dhabi declaration on sustainable finance, bringing the total number of institutions pledging support for Abu Dhabi's long-term net-zero emissions objectives to 180.

In conjunction with its successful discussions, major announcements were made regarding the expansion and establishment of new offices by companies such as J.P. Morgan and ERM within the ADGM's ecosystem. These developments highlight the growing importance of Abu Dhabi in the global finance landscape, alongside 23 new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with various local and international entities, including prestigious names like Crypto.com and Bain Capital.

As the world grapples with the implications of climate change, the ADSFF stands as a beacon for sustainable finance, exemplifying how collaborative efforts can streamline investments towards a greener future. For further information about future events and progress in sustainable finance, visit www.adfw.com.