Aligning finance with sustainability

The Summit is the marquee event that kicks off the 2024 edition of Building Bridges.

In-person attendance is by invitation only, however, virtual participation is possible via Livestream on the Building Bridges YouTube Channel.

The Building Bridges Summit will convene expert-led discussions to address our most critical and pressing global challenges. The discussions will explore the twin climate and nature crises, widening social inequalities and how to mobilize capital in unprecedented amounts to build a just, resilient, and sustainable future.

Confirmed Speakers

Moderators

Summit Agenda

All times are in CET

14:00 PM Keynote Speech: Wisdom from the Elders with Mary Robinson

Expert Exchange: Impact Investing with Sir Ronald Cohen

14:50 PM Panel 1: Building an Impact Portfolio: Investing Across Asset Classes

Investors, both private and public, have prioritised short term financial returns over longer-term sustainability goals. This mindset is shifting, and the discussion will deliver a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes an “portfolio for purpose” and how impact-led investing balances financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes.

Expert Exchange: Scientific Insights: The Planetary Boundaries with Johan Rockström

15:45 PM Panel 2: Nature Finance: How to Make Nature Count in Portfolios

More than half of the world’s economic output—amounting to a staggering US$44 trillion—is dependent on nature. However, unlike climate-risk adjusted portfolios, nature finance remains poorly understood within the investment community due to the complexity of valuing nature and demonstrating ecosystem restoration and biodiversity gains. This discussion will address these challenges and the emergence of natural capital as a critical asset class. It will explore the necessary steps to develop this asset class fully, including creating standardised metrics, enhancing data transparency, and building investor confidence.         

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17:00 Panel 3:  Financial Inclusion: Investment Opportunities in Building Prosperous and Resilient Societies

There is a growing need for inclusive finance as global inequalities widen and reach staggering heights exacerbated by the sustainability crises. With a significant portion of the global population still financially underserved, access to capital is crucial for sustainable economic development. This discussion will emphasise the role of inclusive finance, particularly the private sector’s involvement, in building resilient, equitable, and thriving communities. It will explore how innovative fintech solutions can drive substantial social impacts while also delivering strong financial returns.

Fireside Chat: Bridgetown 3.0 Initiative Empowering the Global South: Rethinking Global Financial Rules for a Resilient and Equitable Future

Fireside Chat: Transition Plans: Moving from Commitment to Impact with Mindy Lubber

18:00 PM Panel 4: Transition Finance: Steering Towards a Sustainable Future

The journey to successful transition financing is fraught with challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the limited financial capacity of many governments, especially in developing countries, to independently fund the transition. The private sector will play a pivotal role in bridging these funding gaps. Clear policy guidance from governments and international cooperation are crucial to expanding financial flows for climate, nature and an inclusive transition which is vital to meet global sustainability goals.

Closing session – Lift Off to 2025

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