Unlocking capital for sustainability

In many key Asian markets, investors are increasingly demanding quality sustainability information and better integration into accounting standards. Research demonstrates that when Boards are involved in the development of reports that take a long-term focus, they are cognisant of a wider range of risks and opportunities and set good business strategies. What role does sustainability reporting play in creating a financial system that supports sustainable investments? How are Asian Boards responding to this trend?

Financing sustainable development is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st centure and requires ambition, innovation, and commitment, underpinned by effective collaboration. This dialogue will bring all the three major stakeholders—finance, government and entrepreneurs—to discuss how capital can be unlocked for sustainable development goals.

Barney Swan is a young adventurer who traversed 1,000 kilometers over 65 days to the South Pole in December 2017, surviving using NASA designed solar ice melters, lithium batteries, and biofuel made from waste. The carbon positive journey marked the launch of the ClimateForce challenge, a target driven mission to ‘clean-up’ 360 million tons of CO2 before the year 2025. Barney Swan, who leads the non-profit 2041 Foundation and its ClimateForce challenge, will share his experience in bringing actionable solutions, adventure, and passion into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Special presentation on EB's latest report Power Trip: Asean's journey to a low-carbon economy

Sustainable finance might be gaining attention in Asia, but sustainable investments remain a drop in the ocean relative to overall investment activity. Are regulators in Asian countries creating the right environment for sustainable finance? What are the regulatory gaps that need to be addressed?

This lively, provoking debate will take a critical look at the global green bond movement and discuss its trappings and successes in order for the industry to advance it to achieve our Global Goals.

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Industry experts and senior business leaders will argue for and against the motion, with a vote taken at the end by delegates on the winning side.

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Long regarded as the domain of non-financial reporting, sustainability concerns are now increasingly viewed as tangible, financial risks that companies must consider and address. As Asia continues to enjoy unbridled growth, the region is also encountering serious challenges such as tackling climate change, pollution, social inequality and resource management. How can governments, businesses, finance and insurance respond to this new era where ESG issues increasingly pose financial risks?

It is absolutely critical that low-carbon solutions in Asia are supported and scaled to enable the region to achieve sustainable development. Yet, investor funds are just not being matched to bankable projects and where there is activity, it is painfully slow. How can we respond to this key challenge, and what are the emerging sources of finance that can accelerate the pace of investment in the region?