Agenda

Welcome from the Chair

John Willman, Editorial Consultant and Former UK Business Editor and Associate Editor, Financial Times

10:10 - 10:20

Opening Keynote

Rashad Kaldany, Vice President, Global Industries, IFC

Keynote Address

James Cameron, Chairman, Climate Change Capital

Coffee

Panel: Private Equity and Responsible Investment - The New Frontier

Cash not conscience has traditionally been the spark which alights private equity, but with the realisation that pro-sustainability strategies make sound business sense, pioneering private equity firms are now factoring environmental, social and governance decisions into their investment considerations - and at the same time are realising benefits in terms of enhanced risk management, reputation and opportunities for new business in sustainability driven markets. 

The business case for RI for PE: impacts on investment returns, and on exits. The practicalities of responsible investment for PE: developing and implementing a strategy and framework (identifying ESG risks, developing a governance framework, engaging investor and portfolio companies, managing throughout the investment cycle-from pre-investment to exit). Emerging markets perspective: how private equity can drive sustainable and responsible investment and opportunities in emerging high growth industries (e.g. education health agriculture, clean energy and climate change businesses). Addressing the particular challenges of a responsible investment approach in emerging markets (e.g. key risks, transparency, the developing infrastructure for responsible investment)

Keynote Address
Sir Ronald Cohen, Chairman, Big Society Capital

In conversation with
Lionel Barber, Editor, Financial Times

Lunch

Panel: Harnessing Innovation in Sustainable Finance

From climate bonds to the concept of natural capital, creativity in sustainable finance continues apace, but a more central focus on innovation will be required if financial institutions are to meet the momentous challenges ahead. Technological innovation can play a vital role in addressing environmental and social issues, and can provide financial institutions, often in partnership with real sector companies, the opportunity to reach new customers, particularly those who would otherwise be excluded from the financial system, and spread ESG risk. At the same time, financial institutions themselves are creating innovative products and services to solve particularly thorny environmental and social challenges, in the food and agriculture value chain, for example, or to assist multinational companies expanding in emerging markets. 

What are the most exciting new innovations in sustainable finance and how and where are they being implemented? Are the world's most pressing needs being addressed, or are some areas of concern being left behind?How are financial institutions evaluating and harnessing technology trends that will be vital to achieving key sustainability goals? Should investment support for new technologies be long-term, or is the venture capital model still viable?

Tea

Panel: Women and Business - the Key to Sustainable Development and Economic Revitalisation

It is estimated that women-owned entities represent between 30-40% of businesses worldwide, many in the developing world. Yet women continue to face barriers when it comes to accessing finance to start or expand their businesses. On average, only 5-10% of women-owned entities have access to commercial bank loans, and women-owned businesses account for only 3% of venture capital investments globally. Financing and supporting women-owned businesses advances development goals and provides a vital source of economic growth and opportunity.

What is the economic, business and social case for investing in women-owned businesses? What are the barriers which women-owned businesses face in accessing finance in both advanced and emerging economies, and how can they be addressed? Is there a role for PE/VC in funding women-owned businesses and what are the main reasons for the current low levels? What are the specific needs and expectations of women in both advanced and emerging economies with regards to finance, and what are the products, services, approaches, and emerging best practice in meeting those needs?

Session Keynote: Stephen O'Brien MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for International Developmen, UK Government

Moderator: Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO, Women's World Banking  

Closing Keynote Address

Rachel Kyte, Vice President and Network Head, Sustainable Development, World Bank

In conversation with:
Leo Johnson , Partner, PwC and Co-founder, Sustainable Finance

Chair's Closing Remarks

John Willman, Editorial Consultant and Former UK Business Editor and Associate Editor, Financial Times