Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum

Right-Logo

DAY 1: FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 2023

Connect Conference Centre, Green Zone, Expo City, Dubai, UAE
10:00 ‐ 10:15
Theatre

Welcome Address

Speakers:
img
Badr Jafar
Special Representative for Business & Philanthropy, COP28
img
Brian Moynihan
Chair of the Board & CEO, Bank of America; Chair, Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI)
img
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
10:15 ‐ 11:00
Theatre

Opening Conversation: Partnerships for Climate Resilience

CEOs and philanthropists from around the world discuss their experiences in forging effective partnerships, and exchange insights on crafting successful collaborations to accelerate tangible outcomes for climate and nature.

Speakers:
img
Estelle Brachlianoff
Chief Executive Officer, Veolia
img
Anil Soni
Chief Executive Officer, WHO Foundation
img
Bob Sternfels
Global Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company
img
Aliko Dangote
President & Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited
img
Bathylle Missika (Moderator)
Head of Division, OECD Development Centre
Closing Remarks:
img
Ragnheiður Elín Arnadóttir
Director, OECD Development Centre
11:15 ‐ 12:15
Theatre

Unlocking Sustainable Climate Transition Finance

Institutional investors require robust frameworks and guidance to uphold the integrity of transition investing. This session will delineate the challenges and opportunities confronted by financiers and investors actively involved in provision of transition finance, with the objective of mobilizing support and momentum to expedite capital inflows into this critical aspect of the climate agenda.

Speakers:
img
James Peter Scriven
Chief Executive Officer, IDB Invest
img
Shemara Wikramanayake
Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie
img
Dr. Ridha Wirakusumah
Chief Executive Officer, Indonesia Investment Authority (INA)
img
Siddharth Sharma
Chief Executive Officer, Tata Trusts
img
Emmanuel Givanakis
Chief Executive Officer, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM)
img
Ronald O’Hanley (Moderator)
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, State Street Corporation
11:15 ‐ 12:15
Plenary

Securing the Financial Future of Climate Vulnerable Nations

There is no silver bullet for Loss and Damage, but rather the need for multiple, complementary approaches. This panel will present findings from a breakthrough study and explore how, by transferring the financial burdens of climate risks from the Global South to the international risk capital markets, losses for the most extreme weather events for the most vulnerable nations could be capped at 10% of GDP.

Speakers:
img
David Howden
Chief Executive Officer, Howden
img
Mami Mizutori
UN Assistant Secretary-General & Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
img
Yoshihiro Kawai
Chairman, South East Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility (SEADRIF)
img
Dr. Ana Gonzalez-Pelaez
Fellow of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
img
John Neal (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s of London
11:15 ‐ 12:15
Shams

The Value of Water: The Economic Imperative of Water Stewardship

As populations increase and industries expand, the stress on water resources intensifies. It is critical to weave water’s intrinsic value into our economic models and become responsible stewards of water. Leaders will discuss the action needed to prevent water scarcity and highlight the initiatives that can be accelerated, replicated, and scaled.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Ekhosuehi Iyahen
Secretary General, Insurance Development Forum
11:15 ‐ 12:15
Hawa

The Role of Measurement in Ensuring a Successful Transition

As businesses and organizations worldwide commit to ambitious climate goals, it is critical to ensure the ecosystem is in place to hold them accountable to their targets and to create transparency on the progress they make. If standard measurement frameworks are in place across industries, and are accessible to all relevant stakeholders, it will increase sustainable investments required. In this roundtable, key stakeholders will discuss what is already in place, what needs to improve, and how it can be scaled.

Opening Remarks:
img
Henrik Skovby
Chief Executive Officer, Dalberg Group
Discussion Leader(s):
img
Dr. Sonja Stuchtey
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Landbanking Group
12:30 ‐ 13:30
Theatre

Accelerating the Green Tech Transition

Leading innovators discuss how advancing green technologies can help drive industry transition. They will explore how we can enhance the exchange of best practices, research and technologies, to collaboratively address society’s shared global climate and nature challenges and capitalize on the immense opportunities that green technology offers across all sectors.

Speakers:
img
Khaled Huraimel
Group Chief Executive Officer, BEEAH
img
Jonathan Berman
Chief Executive Officer, Shell Foundation
img
Kara Hurst
Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon
img
Brad Smith
Vice-Chair & President, Microsoft
img
Hao Xu
Vice President, Sustainable Social Value, Tencent
img
Zachary Bogue (Moderator)
Managing Partner, DCVC
12:30 ‐ 13:25
Plenary

Digital Technology: Accelerating A Sustainable Transition Through Connectivity And Creativity

As we move into an increasingly digital era, we ask: can our vast digital networks not only connect humanity but also foster a greener, more sustainable world? With 5G, IoT, AI and other emerging technologies, there is incredible potential to revolutionize sectors from agriculture to healthcare, whilst minimising our carbon footprint. Leaders in the sector will discuss the transformative power of technology and telecommunications to craft a future where every digital interaction accelerates our journey towards a sustainable planet.

Speakers:
img
Dr. Tony Bates
Chief Executive Officer, Genysis
img
Natasha Franck
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, EON
img
Greg Jackson
Founder & Chief Executive, Octopus Energy
img
Kate Kallot
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Amini
img
Tom Inskip (Moderator)
President, Afiniti Global
12:30 ‐ 13:30
Shams

Sustainable Aviation: The Sky is the Limit

Scaling the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is essential for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, with challenges in both demand and supply. Given existing engine technologies will remain prevalent for the foreseeable future, scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is critical to the future of the industry. Leaders across the value chain will discuss how SAF supply can be scaled to set the industry on course for a decarbonized future.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Haldane Dodd
Executive Director, Air Transport Action Group (ATAG)
img
Robert Miller FREng FRAeS
Professor of Aerothermal Technology, Director, Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge
12:30 ‐ 13:30
Hawa

Sustainable Steel: Pioneering Low-Carbon Building Solutions

From traditional manufacturing practices to future-forward sustainable methodologies, the steel and construction industry is transforming rapidly to meet green standards. Discuss the vast potential of green steel, innovative building designs, and innovative building materials that significantly reduce our built environment’s carbon footprint.

Opening Remarks:
img
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Discussion Leader(s):
img
Nick Studer
Group President & Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Wyman
13:30 ‐ 13:45
Theatre

In Conversation with H.E. Helal Almarri, Director General, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism

 
img
H.E. Helal Almarri
Director General, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism
img
Daniel Pacthod (Moderator)
Senior Partner & Global leader of McKinsey Sustainability
13:30 ‐ 14:25
Plenary

Invest in Africa: Green Energy Access, Digital Economy & The Infrastructure Finance Gap

Africa is on the rise. Its booming population, a quarter of humanity, requires massive economic and socio-economic growth. The continent is also set to see a green energy infrastructure transformation in both centralized grids and decentralized distribution systems, which must support economic and social progress. Participants will discuss the need to forge novel and transformational partnerships to finance the large physical and digital infrastructure gap in Africa.

Opening Remarks:
img
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
President, African Development Bank Group
Speakers:
img
H.E. Cina Lawson
Togolese Minister of Digital Economy & Transformation
img
Karim Awad
Group Chief Executive Officer, EFG Holding
img
Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Acumen
img
Naguib Sawiris
Chairman and Executive Officer, Ora Developers
img
Ingvil Smines Tybring-Gjedde
Chief Executive Officer, Earth Wind Power & Green Cloud Infrastructures
img
Olusola Lawson
Co-Chief Executive Officer, African Infrastructure Investment Managers
img
Philippe Valahu (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG)
Closing Remarks:
img
Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin
UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
13:45 ‐ 14:45
Hawa

Accelerating the Transition through Road Transport

The transition to sustainable road transport is not simply a necessity; it is also a massive opportunity. This session will explore innovations for zero-emission vehicles, intelligent road infrastructure, and alternative fuels, which offer the potential for rapid decarbonisation of this critical sector.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
John Boesel
Chief Executive Officer, CALSTART
14:00 ‐ 15:10
Theatre

Building Trust in Corporate Climate Action: Tackling Greenwashing and Greenhushing

Concerned about negative repercussions, some companies have stopped sharing their net zero goals and the related initiatives they are spearheading. This session will address the increasing realisation that in order to transition to a just and sustainable economy, businesses must embrace transparency and accountability as a business imperative to generate trust with all stakeholders.

Opening Remarks:
img
Sir Chris Hohn
Co-Founder & Chair, The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
Speakers:
img
Sir Chris Hohn
Co-Founder & Chair, The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
img
Sherry Madera
Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
img
Shameela Soobramoney
Chief Executive Officer, National Business Initiative
img
Bob Moritz
Global Chair, PwC
img
Peter Bakker (Moderator)
President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Keynote remarks post the session:
img
Catherine MacGregor
Chief Executive Officer, Engie
14:30 ‐ 15:30
Plenary

Pioneering Fashion Sustainability

Leaders from the fashion sector will discuss how the industry is contributing to achieving a sustainable future. From spotlighting breakthrough innovations in manufacturing processes and materials to dynamic collaborations working with other industries, leaders in this field will anticipate global fashion trends whilst prioritising environmental stewardship.

Speakers:
img
Riccardo Steffaneli
Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Managing Director, Brunello Cucinelli
img
Natasha Franck
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, EON
img
Omoyemi Akerele
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Fashion Week
img
Federico Marchetti
Former Chief Executive Officer, YOOX Net-a-Porter Group
img
Patrick Chalhoub
Group President, Chalhoub Group
img
Tania Bryer (Moderator)
Host & Executive Producer, CNBC
Fireside chat:
img
Stella McCartney
Founder, Stella McCartney
15:15 ‐ 16:15
Theatre

Building Sustainable Food Systems

Sector experts will explore the critical need to create sustainable and resilient food systems that can weather the impacts of climate change. From sustainable procurement to production, discover the latest strategies and initiatives reshaping our relationship with food, environment, and society.

Opening Remarks:
img
Antoine Bernard de St-Affrique
Chief Executive Officer, Danone Group
Speakers:
img
Abdullah Albader
Chief Executive Officer, Almarai Group
img
Laurent Freixe
Chief Executive Officer, Nestle LATAM
img
Dan Pathomvanich
Chief Executive Officer, NR Instant Produce
img
Ahmed Galal Ismail
Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding
img
Pilar Cruz
Chief Sustainability Officer, Cargill
img
Gim Huay Neo (Moderator)
Managing Director, Centre for Nature & Climate, World Economic Forum
15:45 ‐ 16:45
Plenary

Ambitious Moonshots for a Sustainable Future

This session will explore the power of innovation, technology, and global collaboration, emphasizing the vital role moonshots play in reshaping our world’s climate trajectory. This session will challenge conventional thinking and help propel us towards revolutionary climate innovations, fuelling our drive towards transformative climate breakthroughs as we collectively build the groundwork for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Opening Remarks:
img
H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr.
President, Palau
Speakers:
img
Dr. Mo Ibrahim
Chairperson, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
img
Laurence Lien
Chairman & Acting Chief Executive Officer, Asia Philanthropy Circle
img
Tokunboh Ishmael
Managing Partner, Alitheia Capital
img
Anousheh Ansari (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, XPRIZE
Closing Remarks:
img
Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew
Prime Minister, St. Kitts & Nevis
15:45 ‐ 16:45
Shams

The Nuclear Option

This roundtable unpacks the often touted transformative potential of nuclear energy in addressing two of the most pressing global challenges: climate change and energy poverty. Participants will engage in a deep-dive discussion about the evolution of nuclear energy, tracing its journey from a tool for warfare to a beacon of hope for scalable clean energy.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Roksana Ciurysek
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, PossibleX
16:00 ‐ 17:00
Hawa

Applying a Gender Lens to Climate Action ‐ The Role of Philanthropies

This session will launch a Call to Action for philanthropic organisations to apply a gender lens in their ongoing and future climate actions. It will tap into the collective knowledge of the audience to discuss the most promising solutions for supporting gender-smart responses to climate change for positive co-impact, and the role philanthropic organisations can take in offering related financial and non-financial services.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Ragnheiður Elín Arnadóttir
Director, OECD Development Centre
16:30 ‐ 17:00
Theatre

Empowering SMEs as Drivers of Transition

SMEs represent some of the most promising sources of disruptive innovation, but they are often neglected by climate policies and the global climate finance ecosystem. Join an action-oriented conversation about how larger businesses and institutions can turbocharge SME empowerment and decarbonization.

Speakers:
img
Jesper Brodin
Chief Executive Officer, Ingka Group, IKEA
img
Ragy Ramadan
Chief Executive Officer, NoorNation
img
Racquel Moses
Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator
img
Maria Mendiluce (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, We Mean Business Coalition

The evening’s programme will continue in the COP28 Blue Zone, delegates will be asked to make their way to the Al Waha Theatre for keynote addresses and special sessions.

Al Waha Theatre, Blue Zone
17:45 ‐ 18:00
Al Waha Theatre
Blue Zone

Keynote Address:

COP28 Special Representative for Business & Philanthropy and Chair of the COP28 Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum relays his ambitions for the Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum, and the crucial role business leaders and philanthropists must play in accelerating global action towards addressing climate change and nature degradation.

Speakers:
img
Badr Jafar
Special Representative for Business & Philanthropy, COP28
18:00 ‐ 18:30
Al Waha Theatre
Blue Zone

Big, Audacious, and Green: A Convergence of Visionaries

Mapping the nexus of business and philanthropy for climate and Nature outcomes, CEOs and philanthropists from around the world set out ambitious visions for meeting climate and nature targets, showcasing unique ways that business and philanthropy must lead with a series of ground-breaking announcements.

Speakers:
img
Ajay Banga
President, World Bank Group
img
Brian Moynihan
Chair of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America; Chair, Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI)
img
Hana Al Rostamani
Group Chief Executive Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
img
Ruth Porat
President & CIO; CFO, Alphabet & Google
img
Tony Elumelu
Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation
img
Laurene Powell Jobs
Founder & President, Emerson Collective
img
Børge Brende (Moderator)
President, World Economic Forum
18:30 ‐ 18:50
Al Waha Theatre
Blue Zone

Announcements

Blended Finance Announcement (panel discussion)

Opening Remarks:
img
Ravi Menon
Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Speakers:
img
Mafalda Duarte
Executive Director, Green Climate Fund
img
Mark Gallogly
Chairman, Allied Climate Partners; Co-founder, Three Cairns Group
img
Tobias Pross
Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Global Investors
Closing Remarks:
img
Dr. Andrew Steer
President & Chief Executive Officer, Bezos Earth Fund
18:50 ‐ 19:00
Al Waha Theatre
Blue Zone

Keynote Closing Address

Speakers:
img
Bill Gates
Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation;
Founder, Breakthrough Energy

DAY 2: SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023

Connect Conference Centre, Green Zone, Expo City, Dubai, UAE
10:00 ‐ 10:10
Theatre

Keynote Address: Building Pathways to Inclusive Green Growth

The macroeconomic perspective on catalyzing a just transition to a greener evolution of all our systems and to ensure economic development occurs in a sustainable and equitable manner, with a focus on regions in the Global South.

Speakers:
img
Kristalina Georgieva
Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
10:00 ‐ 11:00
Shams

Unlocking Cross-Industry Circularity

The circular economy is transforming industries by changing how they produce and consume. This session will spotlight cross-sector progress in the circular economy, catalyze collaborations, and lay the groundwork for a global corporate framework for the circular economy. Participants will share best practices and innovations to integrate related insights into their respective sectors and regions of the world.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Fredrik Galtung
Founder, True Footprints
10:30 ‐ 11:15
Theatre

Unleashing the Catalytic Effect of Climate and Nature Philanthropy

Catalytic philanthropic funding can generate a multiplier effect on business and government capital towards climate investments. Leaders will examine the unique attributes of climate and nature philanthropy and will showcase how scaling strategic philanthropic capital flows is essential for climate and nature action.

Opening Remarks:
img
Badr Jafar
Special Representative for Business & Philanthropy, COP28
Speakers:
img
Bill Gates
Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Founder, Breakthrough Energy
img
Ray Dalio
Founder & CIO Mentor, Bridgewater Associates
img
Dr. Precious Motsepe
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Motsepe Foundation
img
H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair
Chairman, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education
img
Rima Al Mokarrab (Moderator)
Chair, Tamkeen
10:15 ‐ 11:15
Plenary

Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems

Along with the exacerbation and spread of infectious and non-communicable diseases, malnutrition and worsening mental health, climate change is also a health crisis. In this session, leaders in the health sector will explore joint, scalable action to adapt health systems to better address the implications of climate change on population well-being, as well as to accelerate the delivery of net-zero healthcare infrastructure.

Opening Remarks:
img
Pascal Soriot
Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca
Keynote Addresses:
img
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
img
Dr. Victor Dzau
President, U.S. National Academy of Medicine
Speakers:
img
Dr. Fiona Adshead
Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition
img
Paul Hudson
Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi
img
Kris Licht
Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt
img
Bill Anderson
Chief Executive Officer, Bayer
img
Nísia Trindade Lima
Brazil Minister of State for Health, Brazil
img
David Shukman (Moderator)
Former Science Editor, BBC News
10:15 ‐ 11:15
Hawa

Mobilizing Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure in Developing Economies

Sustainable infrastructure is a critical component in the climate transition, both in emission reductions and in helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change. A climate finance gap of circa $ 4 trillion per year is looming, while mitigation and adaptation investments in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) are shrinking. This session brings together decision-makers from across the infrastructure ecosystem to share success stories, challenges and explore synergies to enable authentic partnerships and accelerate action across the sustainable infrastructure ecosystem.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Sir Alok Sharma
President COP26; Rockefeller Climate & Finance Fellow
11:15 ‐ 12:15
Shams

A Call to Action: Philanthropy’s Commitment to Accelerate Investments in Global Adaptation and Resilience (Closed session)

Co-hosted by ClimateWorks Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this roundtable will bring together a diverse group of philanthropies interested in increasing support for and investment in climate change adaptation.

Opening Remarks:
img
Badr Jafar
Special Representative for Business & Philanthropy, COP28
Discussion Leader(s):
img
Helen Mountford
President, ClimateWorks Foundation
11:30 ‐ 12:45
Theatre

Trillions for Transition

There is an urgent need to increase investments from billions to trillions of dollars to expedite climate action. Blended finance plays a major role in turbocharging sustainable development, bridging essential funding gaps, and accelerating progress. Leaders will discuss creating a new global industry alliance that leverages combined influence to achieve sustainable progress and announce major initiatives that will help define the future of climate finance.

Opening Remarks:
img
Mark Gallogly
Chairman, Allied Climate Partners; Co-founder, Three Cairns Group
Speakers:
img
Dr. Andrew Steer
President & Chief Executive Officer, Bezos Earth Fund
img
Odile Renaud-Basso
President, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
img
Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Holdings
img
Ahmed Saeed
Chief Executive Officer, Allied Climate Partners
img
Qahir Dhanani (Moderator)
Managing Director & Partner, BCG
11:30 ‐ 12:30
Plenary

Space and Sustainability: The Astra Carta

As we increasingly look to space, the practical necessity for sustainability in our cosmic endeavours becomes paramount. Explore the global intersection of space exploration and sustainability and how cutting-edge technologies can enable responsible and sustainable exploration of new frontiers while helping us protect and restore our Earth.

Opening Remarks:
img
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi
Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Markets Initiative
Speakers:
img
Paul Bate
Chief Executive Officer, UK Space Agency
img
Bruce Carnegie-Brown
Chairman, Lloyd’s of London
img
Robbie Schingler
Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Planet Labs
img
Nick Shave
Chief Executive Officer,Astroscale UK
img
Col. Francis Ngabo
Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Space Agency
img
Aarti Holla Maini
Director General, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
img
Meganne Christian (Moderator)
Reserve Astronaut & Exploration Commercialisation Lead, UK Space Agency
11:30 ‐ 12:30
Hawa

Putting People & Nature at the Heart of Climate Solutions: Nature Positive for Climate Action

Leaders will examine the prominent role that both business and philanthropy must play in driving nature-first solutions. How do we ensure nature is integrated into climate transition plans and investments are channelled to nature-based solutions? This discussion will unpack crucial initiatives to strengthen the climate-nature nexus and close the funding gap.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak
President, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); UN Climate Change High-Level Champion
img
Patrick Frick
Founder, Global Common Alliance
12:30 ‐ 13:30
Plenary

Boosting Green Skills to Accelerate the Climate Transition

The climate transition will fundamentally alter the global labour market, creating and replacing millions of jobs, while a shortage of green skills threatens to bottleneck the pace of decarbonization. CEOs and leaders will discuss what is required to create the pipeline of talent to deliver the transition, and how we can upskill and reskill our workforce to create a job-plentiful and equitable transition.

Opening Remarks:
img
H.R.H. Princess Lamia Bint Majed Al Saud
Secretary General, Alwaleed Philanthropies
Keynote Address:
img
Børge Brende
President, World Economic Forum
Speakers:
img
Somachi Chris-Asoluka
Chief Executive Officer, The Tony Elumelu Foundation
img
Allen Blue
Co-Founder, LinkedIn
img
Claudia Azevedo
Chief Executive Officer, Sonae
img
Anindya Bakrie
Chief Executive Officer, Bakrie & Brothers
img
Liesbet Steer (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, Education Development Centre (EDC)
13:00 ‐ 13:45
Theatre

Building City Resilience: Financing Solutions

An important discussion about how cities around the world, and their stewards, are working with the private sector to finance green and sustainable investments in support of their net zero ambitions, while increasing urban resilience against the shocks and stresses of climate change.

Speakers:
img
David Howden
Chief Executive Officer, Howden
img
Ahmed Baghoum
Chief Executive Officer, Masdar City
img
Susan Aitken
Mayor of Glasgow
img
Tainá de Paula
Municipal Secretary of Environment & Climate, Rio de Janeiro
img
Marc-André Blanchard
Executive Vice-President & Head of CDPQ Global and Global Head of Sustainability, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
img
Lauren Sorkin (Moderator)
Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network
13:45 ‐ 14:45
Shams

Realizing the Fusion Energy Ambition

Fusion has the potential to accelerate the world’s pathway to net zero by providing clean, reliable baseload power. This discussion will bring together the future fusion ecosystem, across technology, engineering, finance, insurance and off-takers, to identify a clear path to establishing commercial-scale fusion energy by the end of the decade.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Dr. Nick Wayth
Chief Executive Officer, Energy Institute
14:00 ‐ 15:15
Theatre

First Movers in Action: Decarbonizing Heavy Industry and Shaping the Future

Two years after the First Movers Coalition (FMC) launch, this session will feature major announcements on the progress that have been made and showcase important new features of the FMC program. Join key players in hard to abate industries to discuss the steps needed to achieve FMC’s ambitious near-zero targets by 2030.

Opening Remarks:
img
The Honorable John F. Kerry
United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, U.S. Department of State
img
Børge Brende
President, World Economic Forum
Speakers (Panel 1):
img
Dr. Andrew Forrest AO
Executive Chairman, Fortescue, Minderoo Foundation & Tattarang
img
Jan Jenisch
Chief Executive Officer, Holcim
img
Hilde Merete Aasheim
President & Chief Executive Officer, Norsk Hydro ASA
img
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem
Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World
img
Rich Lesser (Moderator)
Global Chair, Boston Consulting Group
Speakers (Panel 2):
img
Helen Mountford
President, ClimateWorks Foundation
img
Vincent Clerc
President and Chief Executive Officer, A.P Møller-Maersk
img
H.E. Ebba Busch
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business & Industry, Sweden
img
Kara Hurst
Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon
img
Annie Hills (Moderator)
Senior Advisor, Clean Energy & Innovation, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry
14:00 ‐ 15:00
Plenary

Building Global Grids to Unlock a Renewable Future

Despite requiring as much as US$21 trillion in investment by 2050, the electricity grids in regions across the Global South face challenges with securing affordable funding to enable the transition. This session will address how the private sector can spearhead and scale grid project investments, as transmission projects become more economically viable.

Speakers:
img
Zoisa North-Bond
Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Energy Generation
img
Papa Demba Diallo
Managing Director, Project Development Africa 50
img
Sherif ElKholy
Partner, Actis
img
Nadja Haakansson
SVP Africa, Siemens Energy
img
Chris Flavin
Head of Business Development, Gridworks Development Partners
img
Dr. Hubert Danso (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, AI Capital
14:30 ‐ 15:30
Hawa

Philanthropic and MDB Leadership in Climate Finance: Towards equity in the energy transition

As ‘Country Platforms’ for bold climate action have started to emerge as pertinent mechanisms to help finance the transition towards cleaner energy, this session will focus on the role of philanthropic and multilateral development actors in unlocking billions in private and MDB finance, set precedents for successful energy transition templates that are equitable, replicable and scalable, and multiply systemic transition impact through coordinated, multi-donor mechanisms that bridge investment, technical assistance and policy engagement.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Harry Boyd-Carpenter
Managing Director, Green Economy & Climate Action, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development(EBRD)
img
George Richards
Director, Community Jameel
15:00 ‐ 15:15
Plenary

Leadership for Systemic Change: Brain Trust for Scaling Innovation

Attendees will be introduced to the four winners of the Climate Innovation Prize. They will then form ad hoc “brain trusts”, providing leadership advice and mentorship to the Solvers focused on brainstorming how to overcome barriers to scaling impact.

Speakers:
img
Hala Hanna
Executive Director, MIT Solve
15:00 ‐ 16:00
Shams

Indigenous Peoples Direct Access to Finance

One of the most effective ways to protect and restore nature ‐ while reducing emissions and increasing carbon removal ‐ is to empower the communities that already steward the world’s ecosystems: Indigenous Peoples. This event will highlight the need for a change in practice to make climate finance fit for purpose for Indigenous Peoples at all levels.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak
President, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); UN Climate Change High-Level Champion
img
Hindou Ibrahim
Chair, International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change
img
Peter Seligmann
Chief Executive Officer, Nia Tero; Chairman, Conservation International
img
Dr. Grethel Aguilar
Director General, IUCN
15:15 ‐ 15:30
Theatre

Possible Futures: Unlocking the Amazon’s Trillion-dollar Nature Positive Economy

Introducing a practical, scalable and evidence-based climate solutions system that connects international finance markets and innovation leaders to the communities on the climate frontlines.

Speakers:
img
Rodrigo Veloso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ONE AMAZON
img
Peter Knez
Chairman, ONE AMAZON
img
Mikolaj Sekutowicz
Chief Executive Officer, Impact One
img
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif
Director General, Emirates Nature in association with WWF
15:30 ‐ 16:30
Theatre

Harnessing Natural Capital for Net-Zero

Natural Capital is vastly underestimated as a cost-effective and efficient way of decarbonising our planet. The session will discuss the challenges and solutions to establish a fair, transparent, and socially inclusive framework to invest in regions rich in natural capital. It will incorporate perspectives from major global carbon sinks within Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, to learn from local experiences, and develop a unified approach to preserving these essential natural global resources.

Opening Remarks:
img
Samaila Zubairu
President & Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation
Speakers:
img
H.E. Arlette Soudan-Nonault
Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development & the Congo Basin, Republic of the Congo
img
Margaret Kim
Chief Executive Officer, Gold Standard
img
Arief Rabik
Chairman & Founder, Bamboo Village Trust
img
Peter Fernandez
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Mombak
img
Ana Haurie
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Respira
img
James Mwangi (Moderator)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Africa Climate Ventures
Report Unveiling:
img
Dr. Rita Babihuga-Nsanze
Chief Economist, Africa Finance Corporation
15:30 ‐ 16:30
Plenary

Media and Climate Change

Media has an outsized role to play in tackling climate change, due in large part to its omnipresent nature in our lives. Consequently, industry leaders are tasked with the all-important role of providing both accurate and engaging information to ensure media platforms are constructively enhancing the policy dialogue and countering the phenomenon of misinformation.

Speakers:
img
Jessica Sibley
Chief Executive Officer, TIME
img
Almar Latour
Chief Executive Officer, Dow Jones
img
Sid Wahi
Managing Director, CMA Investment Holdings
img
Mina Al-Oraibi (Moderator)
Editor-in-Chief, The National
15:45 ‐ 16:30
Hawa

Scaling up Innovation in the Built Environment: A Blueprint for Net-Zero

Buildings that make up our cities worldwide are responsible for around 40% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions, 33% of water consumption and 35% of generated waste. This session will demonstrate how solutions to solving these challenges are being embraced, and how they need to be rapidly scaled. Participants will discuss and debate what is required to make sustainable cities and infrastructure the norm, in order to benefit from resulting tangible benefits including energy savings, reduced carbon footprints, improved occupant health and increased property value.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
George Oliver
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Controls
16:15 ‐ 17:15
Shams

Price it Right: Carbon Pricing

When markets correctly value the environmental impacts of carbon, industries are incentivized to innovate, evolve, and transition towards sustainable paradigms. Explore the pivotal role carbon pricing plays in correcting market imbalances, fostering cleaner technologies, and pushing the frontiers of green entrepreneurship. Participants will discuss real-world examples, practical benefits, and options for implementing effective carbon pricing mechanisms.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Lynn Forester de Rothschild
Chief Executive Officer, Council Inclusive Capitalism (CIC)
img
Peter R. Orszag
Chief Executive Officer, Lazard
16:30 ‐ 17:30
Theatre

A New Energy Paradigm

Climate change is a collective challenge which requires strong and immediate action from both producers and consumers of energy. Participants will discuss how the energy sector and heavy emitting industries can work with policy makers to galvanise broad action to advance the just energy transition and reduce emissions, whilst providing accessible energy to support the development of all economies and people.

Opening Remarks:
img
Jesper Brodin
Chief Executive Officer, Ingka Group, IKEA
Speakers:
img
Marco Arcelli
Chief Executive Officer, ACWA Power
img
Patrick Pouyanne
Chief Executive Officer, Total Energies
img
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi
Chief Executive Officer, Masdar
img
Juliet Davenport
President, The Energy Institute
img
Simon Harford
Chief Executive Officer, Global Energy Alliance for People & Planet(GEAPP)
img
Vijay Vaitheeswaran (Moderator)
Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist
Closing Remarks:
img
Dr. Rajiv Shah
President, The Rockefeller Foundation
16:45 ‐ 17:40
Plenary

Seeds of Renewal: Cultivating the Future through Regenerative Agriculture

Imagine a world where every plough, seed, and harvest becomes a restorative act; where agriculture doesn’t only sustain the population but rejuvenates the Earth. This session will explore the collaboration taking place across countries, industries, finance and throughout the agricultural value chain to scale a truly sustainable regenerative agriculture industry.

Speakers:
img
H.E. Santiago Peña
President of the Republic of Paraguay
img
Charlie Nunn
Chief Executive Officer, Lloyds Banking Group
img
Grant Reid
Chair, Sustainable Markets Initiative Agribusiness Taskforce; & former CEO, Mars Incorporated
img
Jai Shroff
Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer, United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL)
img
Ariana Day Yuen
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Forested
img
Ambassador Ertharin Cousin (Moderator)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Food Systems for the Future
16:45 ‐ 17:45
Hawa

AI & Climate Change: Accelerating the Global Path to Net Zero with Foundation Models

The round table will highlight how AI and machine learning are enabling smarter, faster climate action now, and outline opportunities for multi-sectoral collaboration that could radically accelerate our progress toward climate solutions.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama
UAE Minister of State for AI Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications; Director General of The Prime Minister’s Office, UAE
img
H.E. Khalfan Belhoul
Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)
img
Vilas Dhar
President & Trustee, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
img
Al Gore
Former Vice President
17:30 ‐ 18:30
Shams

Climate Crisis: Addressing the Humanitarian Agenda

Climate change continues to worsen the multiple humanitarian crises impacting vulnerable populations and their livelihoods. In this session, experts in the humanitarian sector and their counterparts in industry will explore strategies that will ensure communities affected by climate impact can access the tools and funding required to build long-term resilience and thrive. Discover how business and philanthropy can converge to foster equitable opportunities for the most vulnerable.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
David Miliband
President & Chief Executive Officer, International Rescue Committee
17:45 ‐ 19:00
Theatre

Elevator Pitches: Green Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Explore the transformative impact of innovation in propelling global sustainability transitions. This session will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their pioneering climate solutions to seasoned investors. By showcasing trailblazing entrepreneurs from across the world and their innovations, this session will showcase the transformative power of investing in early-stage innovation and green tech R&D, expediting the transition efforts of industries worldwide.

Speakers:
img
Mudassir Sheikha
Chief Executive Officer, Careem
img
Dr. Andrew Forrest AO
Executive Chairman, Fortescue, Minderoo Foundation & Tattarang
img
Fatoumata Ba
Founder & Executive Chair, Janngo Capital
img
Dr. Jennifer Holmgren (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, Lanzatech
Green Entrepreneurs:
img
Ching Ping Hanson Cheng
Chief Executive Officer, The Tyre Collective
img
Nidhi Pant
Co-founder, Science 4 Society Technologies
img
Sarah Lamaison
Co-founder, Dioxcycle
img
Robert Niven
Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Cure
img
Nicole Mao
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Tiger New Energy
17:45 ‐ 18:45
Plenary

Accelerating Methane and Other Super Pollutants Mitigation in Key Sectors

This session will explore how philanthropy and business can collaboratively drive progress in the development and adoption of low methane technologies across energy and agriculture systems.

Speakers:
img
Christie Ulman
President, Sequoia Climate Foundation
img
Dr. Andrew Steer
President & Chief Executive Officer, Bezos Earth Fund
img
Fred Krupp
President, Environmental Defense Fund
img
Jess Ayers
Chief Executive Officer, Quadrature Climate Foundation
img
Kate Hampton
Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
img
Dr. Ismahane Elouafi
Executive Managing Director, CGIAR
img
Marcelo Mena (Moderator)
Chief Executive Officer, Global Methane Hub
17:45 ‐ 19:00
Hawa

Designing Visionary Climate Solutions

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, participants will immerse themselves in an XPRIZE moonshot creative exercise, focusing on the identification, discussion, and creation of groundbreaking climate concepts that aim to inspire and motivate large-scale global action.

Discussion Leader(s):
img
Anousheh Ansari
Chief Executive Officer, XPRIZE
img
Andrew Tauhert
Chief Impact Officer, XPRIZE Foundation
19:00 ‐ 19:10
Theatre

Closing Plenary: Defining the Path Forward for Collective Climate Action

The COP28 Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum’s closing plenary will provide an opportunity to bring together the discussions and themes addressed over the course of the Forum. Private sectors leaders and policymakers will reflect on the Forum’s outcomes, and chart a path forward that is grounded in action and implementation towards collective goals.

Speaker:
img
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi
Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Markets Initiative
Scroll to Top