Dubai International Financial Centre’s forum aligns with the UAE’s leadership vision to accelerate the transition to greener economies through sustainable technology, finance, renewable energy, and waste management.
The event, scheduled for 4-5 December 2024, coincides with the first anniversary of COP28 being held in the UAE and marks a key milestone in advancing efforts towards the Paris Agreement goals and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the prominent global financial hub serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has announced the return of its Future Sustainability Forum. Set to take place on 4 and 5 December 2024 at the Madinat Jumeirah, the Forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue and action in driving sustainable development across industries and to contribute significantly toward environmental conservation, social equity, and innovation.
The second edition of the Future Sustainability Forum reaffirms DIFC’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals, complementing initiatives such as the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst, which seeks to channel over USD 100 billion in sustainable finance flows from Dubai by 2030. With more than 3,000 participants expected to attend, including industry leaders, investors, tech innovators, and policymakers, the event is designed to further the global effort to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Platform for Global Collaboration on Sustainability
Coinciding with the first anniversary of COP28 in the UAE, the Forum will provide a platform for cross-sector dialogue and international collaboration. The discussions will focus on how industries can accelerate the shift towards sustainability, with special emphasis on investment flows between the global north and south to support climate action.
Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer of DIFC Authority and Co-Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, highlighted the Forum’s role in shaping future economies:
“The Future Sustainability Forum is a critical initiative for collective action towards a sustainable future. As global economies continue to evolve, so must our approach to responsible and inclusive growth. DIFC is proud to convene this gathering of global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address some of the most urgent environmental and social challenges. Together, we can create pathways to a more resilient and sustainable future for the financial services industry and beyond.”
Commercial Bank of Dubai and Industry Leaders Lead the Way
The Forum will see strong backing from regional and global players in the sustainability sphere. Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), the presenting sponsor of the event, expressed his institution’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s green agenda.
“We are proud to back the UAE’s sustainability ambitions as the Presenting Sponsor of the Future Sustainability Forum 2024. Our proactive approach to environmental challenges, including the issuance of CBD’s inaugural green bond, underscores our commitment to international environmental goals.”
Core Pillars of Sustainability in Focus
The Forum will address key sustainability challenges across eight core industries: banking and finance, construction, renewable energy, transportation and mobility, manufacturing and production, waste management, sustainable technology, and agriculture and food production. These sectors will serve as the focal points for discussions and strategic planning aimed at reshaping industries through sustainable practices.
The conference will feature over 100 expert speakers in the fields of sustainability and climate action. In parallel, the event will host the Climate Action & Renewable Energy Expo (CARE), showcasing innovative solutions and services from global sustainability leaders.
UAE’s Net-Zero Ambitions Underpin the Forum
Governmental bodies in the UAE have been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with initiatives like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative driving the agenda. These programmes, along with the UAE Vision 2070, focus on renewable energy adoption, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable urban development.
As the UAE continues to spearhead efforts toward a net-zero future, the Future Sustainability Forum serves as a crucial stepping stone for the region’s—and the world’s—transition to a more sustainable global economy.
For further information and registration details, visit the Future Sustainability Forum’s official website.
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