As part of our Path to COP28 campaign, GEFI is partnering with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, which was announced at the Path to COP28 launch event ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) taking place in Dubai.
With Dubai hosting COP28 and DIFC being a significant contributor to the sustainable economic growth of the Emirate, the Centre is leading by example and announcing their Path to COP28 partnership just over 12 months before the event takes place.
DIFC and GEFI will drive change across the world’s financial industry relating to delivering Net Zero; unlocking Islamic Finance; financing nature and biodiversity; and financing the sustainable development goals. As host financial centre for GEFI’s Path to COP28 programme, DIFC will host a series of report launches, roundtables and community engagements during the next 12 months.
The partnership was launched at DIFC with a keynote presentation by Dame Susan Rice, one of the most influential women in banking, who Chairs the Global Ethical Finance Initiative Global Steering Group. Dame Susan also Chairs the Bank Standards Board in the UK and was the founding Chair of the Professional Standards Board.
Attendees also heard from the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) Secretary General, Dr. Abdelilah Belatik, and Fajr Capital’s CEO, Iqbal Khan, as well as DIFC Authority’s CEO, Arif Amiri.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority said:
“DIFC and the Global Ethical Finance initiative are delighted that the financial services sector is the first industry to launch a programme that aligns with the UAE government’s COP28 agenda. DIFC is perfectly placed to be host financial centre for the Path to COP28 programme given the progress we have already made and will continue to make on climate related matters with our clients. We are looking forward to working with the GEFI and senior members of the local, regional and international finance community to embrace this initiative and truly make a difference.”
