15 September 2026 | Speaking ahead of the October Conference, Patrick Odier, Chairman of Building Bridges, Ambassador Thomas Gürber, Permanent representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and the other international organisations in Geneva at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Emmanuel Faber, Chairman of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Tenke Zoltani, Chief Executive Officer, SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI) shared important remarks at a press conference hosted by the Geneva Press Club.

Several new features for Building Bridges 2026 were announced including a new Solutions Stage concept, a stronger focus on leadership from Asia, and greater attention to investment opportunities in Africa. New speakers include Dr Ma Jun of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association and Carine Smith Ihenacho of Norges Bank. He also confirmed the return of keynote speakers John Kerry and Rhian-Mari Thomas to continue discussions that started at last year’s Summit. Patrick also shared that Building Bridges will host the Geneva Premiere of How to Live on Earth. 

Ambassador Gürber reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable finance and international cooperation, while Emmanuel discussed the significance of locating the long-term seat of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in Geneva and the city’s unique ecosystem of finance, policymaking and multilateral organisations. Marking five years since its launch at Building Bridges, Tenke announced renewed funding commitments from Switzerland and Luxembourg, alongside how far SIFI has come in mobilising private capital for climate resilience, adaptation and nature-based solutions.

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