The Dubai International Financial Centre inaugurated its second annual Future Sustainability Forum on Wednesday, drawing more than 3,000 global leaders, sustainability experts, and investors to a dynamic two-day gathering aimed at advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
The forum, which welcomed delegates from over 50 countries, underscored the UAE’s ambitious commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, spotlighting its evolving role as a global hub for sustainable finance.
Participants included 100 distinguished speakers and over 500 investors, many representing funds exceeding $100 million in assets, emphasizing the event’s focus on catalyzing investments in renewable energy and climate technology.
“We are committed to forging global synergies among governments, organizations, industries, and investors to accelerate the transition to Net Zero,” said Alya AlZarouni, chief operating officer at DIFC Authority.
“Sustainability demands innovation, significant financial investment, education, and capacity building. At DIFC, we are leading efforts to advance climate action strategies and the future of sustainable finance.”
The forum opened with panels addressing critical themes such as green financing, decarbonization of energy systems, and ESG reporting. Day two promises to delve into innovation and the rise of smart cities, aligning with the UAE’s broader focus on digital transformation.
High-Profile Agreements and Key Voices
The event also set the stage for impactful partnerships, with agreements signed between prominent organizations. Ajman Bank and CarbonSifr committed to collaborative efforts on Net Zero finance targets, while Canon and United Arab Bank announced a pioneering climate-related initiative. Lafarge, a leader in sustainable construction, joined these efforts with a pledge to further green building practices.
Among the luminaries taking the stage were Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of National Marine Dredging Company; Dr. Bernd Van Linder, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai; and Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability at the London Stock Exchange Group. Their insights reinforced the forum’s role as a platform for actionable strategies and cross-sector collaboration.
A Roadmap for Sustainable Finance
The forum builds on a series of milestones in the UAE’s journey toward sustainability. Since ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016, the nation has championed a spectrum of green initiatives, including the growth of green bond issuance and the development of decarbonization frameworks.
This progress was showcased at COP28, where DIFC launched its Sustainable Finance Catalyst initiative, aiming to channel $100 billion in sustainable investments by 2030. The initiative underscores DIFC’s leadership in mobilizing climate finance and fostering a circular economy.
As the global financial community continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, DIFC’s Future Sustainability Forum has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of transformative dialogue and action.
“The path to a sustainable future requires bold collaboration and enduring innovation,” AlZarouni noted. “At DIFC, we are steadfast in our commitment to driving this transition.”
