This year brings a momentous occasion for the finance industry as the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Global Roundtable prepares to return to Geneva after three decades, coinciding with the Building Bridges summit, to accelerate sustainable finance initiatives globally. This biennial event, slated for December 10-11, will convene thousands of finance professionals, global leaders, and decision-makers to collaborate on crucial issues aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UNEP FI Global Roundtable serves as a pivotal platform for driving actionable strategies across various sectors, with a focus on targets related to net zero, nature preservation, impact investment, pollution reduction, human rights advancement, and financial inclusion. This year’s edition, organized as a hybrid event, promises unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collective action.
Building Bridges, a movement dedicated to shaping the sustainable finance agenda and fostering a global economic model aligned with sustainability principles will join forces with UNEP FI for this landmark event. With a community comprising stakeholders from finance, government, civil society, academia, and sustainable development sectors, Building Bridges aims to catalyze transformative change through collaboration and expertise sharing.
Moreover, in 2023, Building Bridges welcomed over 2500 participants from 110 countries during its 4th edition, hosting a total of 70 events that addressed critical issues in sustainable finance and development. This year’s gathering seeks to build on this momentum, leveraging Geneva’s status as an international hub for sustainable finance and multilateralism.
Geneva’s unique ecosystem, coupled with UNEP FI’s and Building Bridges’ collaborative efforts, is poised to accelerate action on key global challenges. Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the imperative of aligning financial flows with sustainability goals. Patrick Odier, Chair of Building Bridges, emphasized the collective effort required for a swift transition to a sustainable economic model.
As the world increasingly recognizes the urgency of addressing environmental and social challenges, the UNEP FI Global Roundtable alongside Building Bridges stands as a beacon of hope, uniting stakeholders to drive meaningful change and create a more sustainable future for all.
