This Global Leaders event takes place in-person at the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) on Wednesday 23rd March from 09:00 GST. Delivered by the Global Ethical Finance Initiative in partnership with the Islamic Finance Council UK, forms part of the Scottish Government’s Expo 2020 Dubai Race to Net Zero Day. Taking place in Dubai International Financial Centre, the event will look at future of green and sustainable finance with a particular focus on financing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Scotland has a unique and strong heritage in ethical finance through the world’s first mutual savings scheme, the world’s first savings bank and indeed the father of modern economics Adam Smith. Smith’s reconciliation between self-interest and innate goodness through his enquiries into moral philosophy and the causes of the wealth of nations created the chassis by which modern markets and economies functions

With the meteoric rise of ethical/sustainable finance (over $80trn signed up to PRI) once again modern markets face the challenge of reconciling profit and purpose. This event will unpack and explore key thematic in the financial markets in addressing this global trend which aligns with Expo 2020 Dubai’s focus on sustainability and the UN SDGs.

As well as views from Scotland, insights will also be shared by finance leaders from Pakistan and other local GCC experts.

This session will include:

• A Scottish Government Ministerial keynote looking at the role of Governments in integrating the SDGs and mobilising the financial services sector at a national level to drive sustainable finance
• The launch of a Pakistan banking sector international SDG country report launch by a central bank Governor
• A leadership discussion on prioritising the SDGs in making finance sustainable
• A panel discussion addressing the question of ESG investing – virtual signalling or a real commercial opportunity?