From 17 to 24 September, Climate Week NYC will bring together policymakers, climate activists, civil society representatives, individuals, and CEOs from all over the world, for the largest annual climate event of its kind. Held during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the city of New York will play host to some 400 events and activities – in person, online, and hybrid – aimed at driving climate action, speeding up progress, and promoting positive changes that are already underway.
UNEP FI events will offer members the opportunity to participate in networking events with other industry leaders, live sessions discussing topics at the forefront of sustainable financing strategies, as well as the opportunity to learn from other’s experiences and share their own to help shape the future of greener financing initiatives. Focus includes the role of financing initiatives in climate change, nature, and nature-based solutions, pollution and circular economy, SDGs, as well as social and human rights.
Members of the UNEP FI leadership team, including UNEP FI Head, Eric Usher, will be speaking at various events, to showcase the work being done alongside our network of banks, insurers, and investors to collectively catalyze action across the financial system to deliver more sustainable global economies. A host of significant events are scheduled for Climate Week NYC, among them the launch of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework and many other pivotal landmarks.
As the focus of this year’s conference, the message ”We can, we will” highlights a sense of determination, focus but also a promise of hope, a call to action to join efforts in achieving our goal of building resilient and sustainable solutions, and reiterates the important role of private finance in bridging the gap in the climate adaptation finance landscape.
Events featuring UNEP FI and its members
Monday 18 September | TCFD and ISSB IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosure) with the ISSB
Time: 9:00 – 12:00 am EDT
Location: TBD
This joint International Sustainable Standards Board (ISSB) and UNEP FI event will allow participants to discuss the newly released ISSB standards, see how they connect to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidance, and explore best practices in climate risk management with their peers. Participants will be able to dive deep into the core elements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 and engage in some hands-on breakout exercises during the session. Register for the event here.
Tuesday 19 September | Sustainable Investment Forum North America
Location: Ziegfeld Ballroom, NYC
The 8th Annual Sustainable Investment Forum North America will be held at Climate Week NYC in partnership with UNEP FI. Bringing together leaders in sustainable finance to discuss financing strategies for the transition to net zero, including climate risk solutions and blended finance techniques aligned with UN SDGs and net-zero goals, the forum offers a platform for engagement among professionals from various sectors interested in responsible investment. Find out more here.
Tuesday 19 September | Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge 5-year Anniversary Celebration
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm EDT
Location: Conference Room 4, UN Headquarters, 405 W 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tobacco Free Portfolios is celebrating the 5-year anniversary of the Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge. A high-level side event co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of France, the Netherlands, and Jamaica, and supported by UNEP FI, the UN-supported PRI and PRB, the event will take place at the UN Headquarters and will include a high-level panel discussion on the topic ‘There’s no room for Tobacco in a Net Zero world’. To obtain special event tickets required for all attendees, please email Dr. Bronwyn King at bk@tobaccofreeportfolios.org before Monday 11th September with your name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID that you will show on the day of the event.
Wednesday 20 September | Climate Nature Nexus Event with BNP Paribas
Time:12:00 – 2:00 pm EDT
Location: BNP Paribas offices
The natural world is under increasing threat. Ecosystem destruction is impacted by and has impacts on climate change. With the release of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) at the start of Climate Week, this session will explore the climate-nature nexus. Beginning with the science, we will explore the potential consequences of nature collapse on financial actors and discuss current strategies for nature-positive finance. In addition, we will consider the TNFD standards in the context of climate reporting and net-zero commitments. Register for the event here (limited availability so registration is of interest only, partner will approve registrants).
Wednesday 20 September | Just Transition Workshop with BCG, Barclays, and Ceres
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm EDT
Location: BCG offices
This dynamic collaboration will discuss how to navigate the path to a just transition. The event will kick off the public consultation of a Just Transition guidance for the banking and insurance sectors developed by UNEP FI and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and will feature discussions from institutions developing their own Just Transition strategies. This event will be by invitation only, and UNEP FI members can request an invitation by contacting JustTransition@bcg.com.
Thursday 21 September | US policy and regulation workshop with Society Générale and Carbon Tracker
Time: 9:00 – 12:00 am EDT
Location: Société Générale offices
The discussion will cover the latest developments around climate regulations, stress testing, and disclosure expectations within the US market. Carbon Tracker will discuss its fossil fuel registry and how financial institutions can use it to manage stranded assets and policy-related risks. Participants will join in a lively Q&A regarding the latest regulatory developments and the implications for financial institutions. Register for the event here.
Thursday 21 September | Transition planning workshop with Oliver Wyman and the UK’s Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT)
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm EDT
Location: Aquavit, 65 E 55th
During this event, participants will learn about the latest guidance under development around transition planning. Speakers from the UK’s Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT), UNEP FI, and Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) will join peers in sharing specific case studies around practical elements of transition planning. This event will be by invitation only, and UNEP FI members can request an invitation by contacting Romero, Sandra “sandra.romero@oliverwyman.com”.
Thursday 21 September | UN Global Compact SDG Investment Forum
Location: New York Stock Exchange
UNEP FI members are invited to join this flagship event of the UN Global Compact CFO Coalition for the SDGs. This in-person meeting will bring high-level representatives from companies, banks and financial institutions, and international organizations, including CFOs, CIOs, and other Executives from the CFO Coalition for the SDGs, UNEP FI, and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Taking a sectoral approach, guests will discuss how corporate investments and finance can best contribute to the SDGs. Register here by 7 September (limited availability).
Thursday 21 September | Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance’s Annual General Meeting (Principals and SG Reps parallel sessions)
Location: TBD
The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance’s (NZAOA) Annual General Meeting will bring together senior management of the top financial institutions to discuss the strategic direction of the Alliance and its members’ needs. A panel of high-level speakers will be present to discuss the latest risks and opportunities in the industry. This event is for NZAOA members only.
Friday 22 September | Climate modeling and the LEAP toolkit with Columbia University
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 pm EDT
Location: Columbia Business School
Participants will be treated to a hands-on exploration of the tools and resources created by the Locate Evaluate Assess Prepare (LEAP) program, a consortium developing climate tools at Columbia University, and explore their application for financial institutions. Participants will learn about climate modeling and data, and become better able to apply these resources to their work. In addition, the LEAP team will get feedback from the participants that will help them continue to refine their tools. Register for this event here.