Building Bridges : Aligning Finance with Sustainability

TuesdayDecember 10, 2024

Practical Information Download Program

Morning

High-Level Event Livestream 09:00 – 09:45 ^CET

High-Level Joint Session: Building Bridges x UNEP FI

Hear Opening remarks from Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI and Patrick Odier, Shair of Building Bridges. Learn about accelerating systems change through finance with Rémy Rioux, CEO of French Development Agency (AFD), and hear wisdom from the elders on the right to a resilient future with Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and Elisabeth Stern, Board Member, KlimaSeniorinnen.

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

High-Level Event Livestream 09:45 – 10:30 ^CET

How Finance drives the Sustainability Agenda Forward

The finance industry is at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive future. By encouraging the flow of capital towards the achievement of sustainability goals, it can create shared value, whilst balancing profits with long-term social and environmental benefits. By setting and implementing targets in areas including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and nature, sustainable consumption and production, and financial inclusion, financial institutions can drive ambition, tackle global challenges and set strategies and operations on a sustainable pathway for a more resilient future.

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

Workshop 11:00 – 12:30 ^CET

A new era for performance measurement: reconciling diverging views on nature valuation

With the rise of mandatory integrated reporting, no company will get around valuing nature. Our multi-roundtable workshop with distinguished moderators from different disciplines will engage attendees in identifying common ground for risks, impacts and opportunities of nature valuation, focusing in particular on biodiversity credits and the agrifood sector.

Impact Investing Nature Transparency & Accountability

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room E

Solutions Stage 11:00 – 11:30 ^CET

One Creation Environmental Innovation Awards Ceremony

The purpose of the Environmental Innovation Awards is to promote the goals and values of ONE CREATION as an investor by supporting young companies in the early stages of their existence. Since 2010 ONE CREATION has been successfully financing private companies with a strong impact purpose in Switzerland and abroad.

Climate & Energy Impact Investing Innovative Finance

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Solution Stage (Level 0)

Panel Livestream 11:00 – 12:00 ^CET

Bridging SDG Financing for Africa – the time is now!

This exciting session will showcase the scalable opportunities and growing support ecosystem for SDG-aligned investments in African markets. Key stakeholders from the Kenyan and European investment ecosystems will discuss the challenges, solutions and real scalable opportunities for unlocking high impact investments in the region and continent. Africa is open now!

Emerging Markets

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room B

Panel Livestream 11:00 – 12:30 ^CET

Climate Solutions Investing: building a practical framework

Join the GIIN and expert investors to explore the first steps in creating a climate solutions investing framework. With more capital allocated to solutions that decarbonize sectors and advance technologies and natural solutions for carbon capture, this session offers insights into the tools and assessments that climate solutions investing requires.

Climate & Energy Impact Investing Transparency & Accountability

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

Workshop 11:00 – 12:30 ^CET

Engaging for biodiversity – how to encourage issuers to transition away from negative impact

A Chatham-House-rules workshop to brainstorm how to encourage improvement through targeted discussions among stakeholders. Discussion tables will be split by topic, including corporate engagement, regulation, emerging markets, credits, biodiversity standards and scaling up start up solutions. Full workshop description and discussion questions available here.

Emerging Markets Nature Policy & Regulation

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room F

Fishbowl Discussion 11:00 – 12:30 ^CET

Transforming Finance: Paving the Way for Impact-Driven Wealth

As the financial industry remains centered on wealth accumulation and traditional returns, how can it evolve to better serve those driven by impact? In this interactive session, we’ll explore bottlenecks, celebrate success stories, and explore systems change initiatives. Join us for a collaborative exchange to unlock fresh solutions and drive meaningful change.

Social Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room 9

UNEP FI Global Roundtable 11:10 – 12:00 ^CET

Driving change through responsible banking and sustainable insurance

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

Solutions Stage 12:00 – 13:00 ^CET

Nature Positive Solutions

At Innovate 4 Nature, we recognise the pressing issue of nature loss and the disruptive impact it will have on businesses around the globe. Come to see some of the most impactful solutions in regenerative agriculture, sustainable management of ecosystems, nature as infrastructure and circular solutions.

Nature

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Solution Stage (Level 0)

UNEP FI Global Roundtable 12:00 – 12:40 ^CET

Accelerating the real economy transition

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

Fireside Chat Livestream 12:30 – 13:30 ^CET

Flipping the perspective – What do investees from the Global South need from impact investors to be successful?

Examine the dynamics of social entrepreneurship in Africa and the critical role of impact investors. This session explores entrepreneurs’ challenges, aligns their needs with investor expectations, and addresses the perceived risks of SME investments. Join us to reshape the narrative and amplify the voices driving social transformation through impact investing.

Impact Investing Social

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room B

Workshop 13:00 – 14:00 ^CET

Practical Steps to get Started with TNFD LEAP for Financial Institutions

For banks and investors who want to understand how to get started with the TNFD-LEAP process, this practical workshop will start with an introduction to TNFD and nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities. Participants will then engage in practical exercises to understand how to apply TNFD within their portfolio.

Nature Transparency & Accountability

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room F

Afternoon

Fishbowl Discussion 13:30 – 14:30 ^CET

Financing the Net Zero Path to Sustainable Supply Chains

Supply chains are increasingly scrutinized by investors and regulators due to the climate crisis, highlighting the importance of social welfare and corporate governance. As companies comply with new frameworks, sustainability is becoming integral to business operations, particularly in securing financing through capital markets. Financing plays a crucial role, not only by providing capital but by shaping the strategies and practices that define sustainable business operations. Supply chains are vital in companies’ net zero transition plans, with around 90% of emissions originating upstream or downstream. Addressing this is essential for achieving sustainability targets.There are key opportunities in incentivizing sustainable finance within supply chains. Companies demonstrating strong sustainability performance may receive better financing terms, such as lower interest rates or longer repayment periods. Innovative financial products, like sustainability-linked supply chain finance programs, are emerging to promote sustainable practices. Additionally, banks increasingly require detailed sustainability reporting, using advanced analytics to ensure transparency and […]

Climate & Energy Policy & Regulation Social

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room 9

Interactive discussion Livestream 13:30 – 15:00 ^CET

The NextGen of Impact-Driven Wealth Owners: Leveraging Capital for Positive Change

Join a dynamic panel of NextGens exploring “The NextGen of Impact-Driven Wealth Owners: Leveraging Capital for Positive Change.” Discover insights from NextGen leaders in social entrepreneurship, consumer goods, regenerative farming, venture, impact investing, philanthropy, and sustainable practices as they share strategies for aligning wealth with purpose to drive meaningful impact.

Fintech Impact Investing Innovative Finance Social Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

Workshop 14:00 – 15:30 ^CET

Navigating a Just Transition: Financial Sector Roadmap

The workshop will explore the prerequisites for deploying financial sector support for a just transition via core activities: alignment, incentives, private-public partnerships; implementation capacities; financial sector blueprints and lessons learnt. Sector practitioners, development actors and experts will lead small group discussions to share experiences and co-design effective approaches.

Climate & Energy Impact Investing Social

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room E

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 14:00 – 15:00 ^CET

Embedding biodiversity concerns across portfolios

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 14:00 – 15:00 ^CET

Mobilising finance for energy efficiency

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room C

Solutions Stage 14:00 – 15:30 ^CET

Innovative Circular Economy Business Models and Investment Approaches

The circular economy reimagines sustainability by eliminating waste, extending material use, and regenerating ecosystems. This Impact Hub Geneva session explores circularity’s potential, featuring insights from Lombard Odier’s Plastic Circularity Fund and Swiss startups like ID Geneva, Ponera Group, Bloom Biorenewables, and Composite Recycling, showcasing transformative solutions across industries.

Climate & Energy Impact Investing Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Solution Stage (Level 0)

Panel Livestream 14:30 – 15:30 ^CET

Decarbonizing the Built Economy: the World’s Largest Asset Class

The built economy, comprising $380 trillion in real estate, infrastructure, and land use, is the largest asset class globally and contributes 40% of all emissions. Overcoming this requires more than innovation; effective carbon pricing and stringent regulations are crucial, as by 2050, urban areas will expand significantly, housing 70% of the global population. Discussions to address decarbonization paths, opportunities and hurdles, existing technologies that can foster zero-carbon construction, like green cement, carbon capture in cement production and other low-carbon solutions.

Climate & Energy Policy & Regulation

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room B

Speed Networking 14:30 – 15:30 ^CET

Speed Networking: Nature

Building Bridges aims to connect individuals and institutions from various organization types, sectors, and locations in order to foster collaboration and drive more ﬁnance to the SDGs. Speednetworking sessions aim to facilitate individual connections between people interested in similar topics to expand their networks and explore areas of synergy in their work. The session will follow a classic Speednetworking format where individuals rapid ﬁre- introduce themselves to each other and then move on to a new person. Participants can expect to meet 8-10 new people during the session. This speednetworking session is brought to you by our Diamond Event Partner UBS. The theme of this session is Nature.

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – BB Connect

Workshop 15:00 – 16:30 ^CET

Intergenerational Collaboration in Impact Investing

Join us for a high-paced, design-thinking workshop to brainstorm and develop ideas for launching the first-ever Youth-Led Impact Investment Fund. Connect with ambitious students and finance professionals to collaboratively build the foundational framework for a Youth-Led Impact Fund from the ground up!

Impact Investing

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room F

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 15:00 – 16:00 ^CET

Next steps to implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 15:00 – 16:00 ^CET

Mobilising sustainable finance in emerging markets

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room C

Fishbowl Discussion 15:00 – 16:30 ^CET

Europe in Transition: Strategic Investments for Energy Security and Sustainable Growth

Europe in Transition: Strategic Investments for Energy Security and Sustainable Growth, a critical panel discussion exploring Europe’s transformation. Esteemed speakers will address demographic challenges, geopolitical shifts, and the role of private investment in aligning with the Green agenda for a sustainable and secure future.

Climate & Energy Other Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room 9

Interactive discussion Livestream 15:30 – 17:00 ^CET

Towards a Qualitative Economy – Servitization Business Models as a way to accelerate the Ecological Transition

Explore how ‘As-A-Service’ business models can accelerate the ecological transition by linking sustainability to profitability.With expert insights, financial leaders, and inspiring real-world examples, this session will highlight actionable strategies to scale cleantech adoption and drive impactful energy efficiency improvements for a sustainable future.

Climate & Energy Emerging Markets Fintech Impact Investing Innovative Finance Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

Panel Livestream 16:00 – 17:00 ^CET

Mapping the Swiss transition

Switzerland, like most developed economies, is targeting net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Thanks to several advantages, resulting from both previous policy decisions and geography, the country has the lowest carbon intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) of any developed country, and the third lowest globally. In its forthcoming whitepaper, the UBS Sustainability and Impact Institute (SII) will analyze the big question: where do we currently stand on the transition journey and what is the path ahead? Building on the insights from the SII whitepaper, this panel will address: What is the state of decarbonization in different industry sectors and how does policy play a part? What are the overall challenges and opportunities in the different sectors? How is finance mobilizing capital towards real economy solutions in these sectors?

Climate & Energy Transparency & Accountability

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room B

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 16:00 – 17:00 ^CET

Driving interoperability between sustainable finance frameworks

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 16:00 – 17:00 ^CET

Just transition: Incorporating human rights into climate finance

For more information visit UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room C

Solutions Stage 16:30 – 18:00 ^CET

Entrepreneurship for Climate

Hosted by GreenBuzz, Switzerland’s largest English language sustainability community, this stage will look at how climate-tech is promoting sustainable solutions around the world. This engaging session features purpose-driven companies of all sizes from across industries, showing the upscaling potential of sustainable businesses and technologies.

Climate & Energy Emerging Markets Fintech Nature Other Social

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Solution Stage (Level 0)

Workshop 16:30 – 18:30 ^CET

The BIAF: Integrating biodiversity impacts into decision making

The BIAF presents a method how biodiversity can be systematically and transparently integrated into decision-making processes. Participants understand how economic activities can be analysed in terms of their expected impact on biodiversity and how the BIAF can serve as a foundation for sustainable investment strategies.

Impact Investing Nature Systemic Change Transparency & Accountability

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room E

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 17:00 – 18:00 ^CET

Mainstreaming impact management

For more information vist UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room D

UNEP FI Global Roundtable Livestream 17:00 – 18:00 ^CET

Tackling plastics and promoting circularity to achieve sustainability goals

For more information vist UNEP FI

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room C

Research or Case Study Presentation 17:00 – 18:30 ^CET

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building In Africa

A case study on ‘Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building in Africa’ intends to convene investors / impact practitioners to understand the barriers to entrepreneurial ecosystem building in Africa. Strategies to overcome these barriers will be highlighted through an emphasis on collaborative and partnership models that have sustainable impact outcomes for entrepreneurs.

Emerging Markets Impact Investing Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room F

Panel Livestream 17:30 – 18:30 ^CET

The New Nature of Business: Reinventing Business Models For A Sustainable Future

How can companies set goals that go beyond financial profits? How can organisations create prosperity through purpose? What type of leadership do we need to get there? This event will delve into these challenges and opportunities. It will challenge business practices, inspire innovations, and demonstrate that profitability through sustainability works.

Nature Social Systemic Change

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

Panel Livestream 17:30 – 18:30 ^CET

Nature Finance: Accounting for Nature in Portfolios

The whole economy relies on nature. The accelerating loss of biodiversity presents substantial risks to companies, especially as regulations tighten. Despite this, nature finance remains underdeveloped within the investment community, largely due to the complexities of valuing natural capital and tracking ecosystem restoration. This discussion will address the challenges of positioning natural capital as a critical asset class. Key areas include establishing standardized metrics, enhancing data transparency, and building investor confidence. Additionally, the session will explore how to accurately price nature and design portfolios that reflect its true value. This is vital to bridging the $800 billion annual funding gap identified by the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 and the recent financial commitments made at COP 16. Investment opportunities in Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), sustainability bonds, and blended finance will also be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of replicability and scalability to integrate natural capital into sustainable finance effectively.

Nature

Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room B

High-Level Event Livestream 18:45 – 19:45 ^CET

Intergenerational Perspectives: Our Duties to the Future

The discussions will focus on fostering intergenerational leadership, bringing together a powerful platform of seasoned and emerging leaders in addressing the planet’s urgent challenges. The leaders will examine renewing commitments to planetary stewardship, climate equity, solidarity, and social cohesion. Leaders today and tomorrow will have to leverage foresight, science, capital, and courage to make decisions that bridge generational divides, prioritize social equity, and uphold environmental responsibility. Bridge Builders today need to adopt new leadership skills like empathy, resilience, and adaptive thinking in younger leaders, while recognizing the wisdom and resilience of experienced leaders. We need to emphasize skill-building to navigate complex social challenges and enhance societal cohesion that fosters a renewed commitment to creating a fairer, healthier world in harmony with nature, planet, and people. REGISTER HERE!

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève – Room A

19:45 – 20:45 ^CET

Social Cocktail by InTent

Wrap up the day with refreshments and networking in the Village after the sessions on Tuesday, 10th December.

Show more Centre International de Conférences Genève

A crowd-sourced program with 3 days of impact finance events.

Over 65 events led by 120+ organizations.

Action Days Program

High-Level Joint Session: Building Bridges x UNEP FI

How Finance drives the Sustainability Agenda Forward

A new era for performance measurement: reconciling diverging views on nature valuation

One Creation Environmental Innovation Awards Ceremony

Bridging SDG Financing for Africa – the time is now!

Climate Solutions Investing: building a practical framework

Engaging for biodiversity – how to encourage issuers to transition away from negative impact

Transforming Finance: Paving the Way for Impact-Driven Wealth

Driving change through responsible banking and sustainable insurance

Nature Positive Solutions

Accelerating the real economy transition

Flipping the perspective – What do investees from the Global South need from impact investors to be successful?

Practical Steps to get Started with TNFD LEAP for Financial Institutions

Financing the Net Zero Path to Sustainable Supply Chains

The NextGen of Impact-Driven Wealth Owners: Leveraging Capital for Positive Change

Navigating a Just Transition: Financial Sector Roadmap

Embedding biodiversity concerns across portfolios

Mobilising finance for energy efficiency

Innovative Circular Economy Business Models and Investment Approaches

Decarbonizing the Built Economy: the World’s Largest Asset Class

Speed Networking: Nature

Intergenerational Collaboration in Impact Investing

Next steps to implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework

Mobilising sustainable finance in emerging markets

Europe in Transition: Strategic Investments for Energy Security and Sustainable Growth

Towards a Qualitative Economy – Servitization Business Models as a way to accelerate the Ecological Transition

Mapping the Swiss transition

Driving interoperability between sustainable finance frameworks

Just transition: Incorporating human rights into climate finance

Entrepreneurship for Climate

The BIAF: Integrating biodiversity impacts into decision making

Mainstreaming impact management

Tackling plastics and promoting circularity to achieve sustainability goals

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building In Africa

The New Nature of Business: Reinventing Business Models For A Sustainable Future

Nature Finance: Accounting for Nature in Portfolios

Intergenerational Perspectives: Our Duties to the Future

Social Cocktail by InTent

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