Details of Guernsey’s third Sustainable Finance Week have been announced, with the focus on three global themes central to the race to net-zero: carbon markets and pricing, biodiversity and energy transition.
Sustainable Finance Week features keynote speakers, panel sessions, fireside chats and networking opportunities. It is hosted on-island by Guernsey Finance through its Guernsey Green Finance initiative from Monday 19 to Friday 23 September.
Keynote speakers include:
• Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the UK's Environment Agency
• James Close, Head of Climate Change, NatWest Group
• Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer, Church of England Pensions Board
In addition, there will be addresses by Gresham House, Rathbone Greenbank, NextEnergy Capital, Octopus Renewables, London Stock Exchange Group and Carbon Tracker. And fringe events will take place on each day of the week, organised by various companies and institutions.
Conference highlights
There are three main conference days. Tuesday will focus on biodiversity, its role in the race to net-zero, the position of private wealth and institutional capital in accelerating change and emerging business models that show investible and bankable propositions.
Wednesday will define energy transition and how it will affect the finance sector, focusing on the insurance and funds industries as they seek to engage with the risks and opportunities that transition presents, all in the context of the global 1.5º goal.
Thursday will explore carbon markets and pricing and their role in influencing the flow of capital and innovation, how the investment fund industry responds and drives the net-zero agenda and the increasing demand for carbon credits.
Guernsey Finance Head of Strategy and Sustainable Finance Stephanie Glover (pictured) said: “The finance industry has a critical role in the path to net zero. We hope that Guernsey’s Sustainable Finance Week will be a thought-provoking moment for professionals to consider how their strategies can play a part.
“It’s crucial that organisations and industry professionals have the opportunity to share knowledge, learn and collaborate so we can transition towards a sustainable future.”
Guernsey Finance Chief Executive Rupert Pleasant added: “This year’s event will be the first where we can fully open our doors to delegates across the globe. Green and sustainable industries are developing rapidly, and as a market leader, we’re pleased to be hosting such important discussions.”
Each day will also feature art and science exhibitions, including a collection of biodiversity and nature-themed art, showcasing Guernsey’s connection to Renoir and Victor Hugo.
Thursday will host polar explorer and photographer Martin Hartley to present his work photographing the polar ice caps.
• More information and how to book all events can be found on the event website here