Environment

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the 2nd Future Sustainability Forum, bringing together over 3,000 industry leaders, sustainability experts, and government officials from 50+ countries. The event focuses on accelerating the global transition to a low-carbon, climate-stable future, while showcasing the UAE’s leadership in sustainable practices and financial mechanisms.

The forum aligns with the UAE’s roadmap to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and highlights decarbonization, green financing, and innovation as critical pillars of this transformation.

Highlights of the Forum

1. Thought Leadership and Global Expertise

   • Featuring 100+ global speakers, discussions included key themes such as decarbonization, building a circular economy, ESG reporting, and developing green financing mechanisms.
   • Notable speakers included H.E. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi (EMSTEEL), Dr. Manfred Braunl (Porsche Middle East), and Jane Goodland (London Stock Exchange Group), emphasizing the UAE’s contributions to global sustainability efforts.

2. Investor Presence and Climate Technology Focus

   • Over 500 global investors attended, with 20% managing portfolios exceeding USD 100 million. The forum reinforced the importance of investments in renewable energy and climate technology.

3. Partnerships and Agreements

   • Agreements signed at the forum included collaborations between Ajman Bank and CarbonSifr, Canon and United Arab Bank, and Lafarge to drive Net Zero, sustainable finance, and sustainable construction initiatives.

4. Innovation and Smart Cities

   • Day two of the event centers on innovation, digital transformation, and smart cities, key components of the sustainable future envisioned by DIFC and the UAE.

DIFC’s Role in Climate Finance Mobilization

The forum underscores DIFC’s leadership in advancing sustainability within the financial sector. Its Sustainable Finance Catalyst initiative, announced at COP28, aims to mobilize USD 100 billion in sustainable finance flows by 2030, supporting the UAE’s long-term climate action goals.

Alya AlZarouni, COO at DIFC Authority, stated:
“DIFC is committed to fostering global collaboration to drive Net Zero transitions. Through initiatives like the Future Sustainability Forum, we aim to inspire learning and innovation while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in climate action.”

UAE’s Progress Toward Net Zero

Since ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016, the UAE has advanced its climate action strategies with significant achievements in green bond issuance, decarbonization initiatives, and sustainability-driven economic growth. The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a platform to build on this momentum, emphasizing global collaboration and sustainable innovation.

As the UAE continues to champion climate finance in the region, the forum reaffirms Dubai and DIFC’s commitment to building a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.

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