University of Waterloo - School of Accounting and Finance’s Post

Huge thanks to Professor Katharina Dittrich and Hendrik Vollmer for inviting me, and to Matt Bullivant for sharing the panel discussion. We discussed the pivotal role of #finance in the #greentransition at University of Warwick - Warwick Business School. More than anything, it was so great to see many like-minded people gathered around to reflect on where the '#sustainableinvesting industry' is at and where we are headed. Quite a different scene from a decade ago! ================================= Hi All, Today, I'm sharing something personal. Being on a #mission-driven journey can feel unsettling at times. Your personal life changes as your mission assignment evolves. When I started this (self-imposed) mission journey 20 years ago, I had to describe in a paragraph what I wanted to do with my life. When I entered finance 11 years ago, ESG/sustainable investing wasn't a thing yet, and people wondered why I was in #finance and not with the #UN. I relocated from #NYC to #London seven years ago to get closer to 'the action.' Back then, climate and sustainable investing weren't taught at universities, so I created my own 'Sustainability' Master's program. Now, sustainability is integral to business schools globally! In 2020, I had the privilege of lecturing on climate investing at #CambridgeUniversity. ESG and sustainable investing have since undergone significant transformation. As guardians, we must nurture their growth. I enjoy returning to academia for intellectual debates and connecting with like-minded spirits, a refreshing change from industry events. This year, besides industry panels, I was honored to be a panellist for University of Warwick - Warwick Business School MBA/executive program participants. This experience reminded me to persevere. Paradigm-shifting change requires patience and collective effort. If this resonates with you, trust yourself! YES, IT IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Be a leader and use your voice wherever you are. YOUR VOICE MATTERS! 😎🌺❤️ Stay strong 💪, be yourself 😍, and be the light! #blessed #sustainability #sustainableinvesting #netzero #grateful #decarbonization #climate #greenfinance #justtransition #sustainablefinance

If we are serious about tackling our common challenges in reaching net zero, it is critical that we gather experts from different fields with distinct perspectives. Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) is an interdisciplinary Institute for sustainability and climate action, based at the University of Birmingham. BISCA join the dots between academics conducting cutting-edge research in vastly different disciplines who are focused on sustainability and climate action. Uniting experts from traditionally separate fields allows more dynamic and holistic approaches to working to solve the issues we face as a planet. On the Tuesday 12 November, BISCA are holding a business engagement event, on looking towards a new era of sustainable finance. During the event, you will: 🌟 Navigate the main barriers and opportunities in the UK’s journey to meet net zero targets, with a particular focus on financial innovation, ESG disclosure, and climate finance. 🌟 Take part in insightful discussions between key academic and industry experts in the field, to create meaningful conversations, spark ideas and seek shared opportunities for positive actions. 🌟 Have opportunities for Q&A and networking with experts, making this a valuable chance to connect with professionals who are committed to driving sustainability in finance.    🌟 Hear from leading voices in the field with speakers including: David Willock (Lloyds Bank), Emma Milner (PwC), Hisham Farag (University of Birmingham), Liza Jabbour (BISCA), Alasdair Maclachlan (University of Birmingham) and David M. Hannah (BISCA). Join us and contribute to this vital conversation, register here: https://lnkd.in/eG4Pba4T 📆 Date: Tuesday 12 November ⏰ Time: 15:00 – 17:30 📍 Venue: Elm House, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston #NetZero #Sustainability #InterdisciplinaryResearch #ClimateAction #BusinessEngagement #FinanceInnovation #ESG #ClimateFinance #Networking #UniversityOfBirmingham #SustainableFinance

Want to learn more about how #CircularFinance can support broader #SustainableFinance and #ESG priorities? Be sure to sign up for this webinar happening December 5th, hosted by our Circular Economy Leadership Canada Solution Space and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). #CircularEconomy

Closing the sustainability finance skills gap is crucial for the industry's future success. Henley Business School is at the forefront of this initiative, empowering aspiring finance professionals with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset for sustainability. Explore how Henley is shaping the future of finance by preparing the next generation of leaders to address the industry's sustainability challenges. Their innovative approach and programmes designed to bridge this critical skills gap are part of our digital series with CFA UK, 'Investing for Tomorrow's Environment'. Learn more about the series here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ecetBkuG 🎤: Lisa Schopohl | Simone Varotto | Professor Adrian Bell | Dr Arleta Majoch #InvestingForTomorrowsEnvironment #GreenFinance #ImpactInvesting #EcoInvesting #SustainableInvesting #GreenFunds #ESG

The circular economy is set to redefine how businesses create, capture and deliver value. It offers an opportunity for financial institutions to prepare for the future while delivering on climate and ESG commitments. Join us this Thursday to hear the latest global and Canadian perspectives on circular finance, including trends and the emerging regulatory landscape. Register👇 to hear from this exceptional line up of thought leaders Paul Shorthouse, Peggy Lefort, Diego Bermudez, PhD. Patrycja Drainville, MBA, Maya Saryyeva, Garrett Jones

Understanding the concept of double materiality and how this is linked to sustainability disclosures is now essential knowledge for financial practitioners. Imperial College Business School MSc Finance students were privileged to have Beth Burks, Director of Sustainable Finance at S&P Global Ratings, delve into how a major rating agency assesses these issues. #imperial #sustainablefinance #esgratings

As Acting Chair of the Green Finance Institute I thoroughly enjoyed kicking off its excellent event yesterday titled 'Renewing Britain's leadership of the green transition'. The focus was on tackling one core and urgent question - how do we mobilise capital to transition the economy? It was President Barack Obama who said: "You can't change the world alone - you will need some help", so it was great that the event was significantly over-subscribed. The focus was to build on the expert 'think ins' hosted by GFI at London Climate Action Week 2024 and to explore how insights can be turned into actionable steps. At the heart of everything was collaboration. Thanks to the speakers and panellists for such great contributions Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE (GFI) Spencer Livermore (HM Treasury) Paul Thwaite (NatWest) Emmanuelle Bury-Lucas (BNP Paribas) Carol Young (Universities Superannuation Scheme) Chuka Umunna (JP Morgan Chase) Vanessa Havard-Williams , Lisa Quest (Oliver Wyman) Sir Alok Sharma KCMG and to the audience members - who came from across financial services, business, politics, the media, philanthropy and the third sector - for their terrific questions. Sincere thanks too to our partners JPMorganChase Standard Chartered Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional BNP Paribas Laudes Foundation without whom none of this would be possible. And a big shout out to the GFI team who curated such a superb event. #greenfinance #nationalwealthfund #naturefinance #adaptationfinance #transitionfinance #decarbonisation #builtenvironment #parametricinsurance #catalyticcapital #cleantech #ClimateWeekNYC #GreenFinanceInstitute #GFI

📅 The UBC Sauder School of Business (Centre for Climate and Business Solutions), in collaboration with the ESG Centre of Excellence, invites you to the #ESG for SMEs Symposium next Tuesday, June 25th, at UBC Sauder, Robson Square, Vancouver. 💡 Small businesses are the backbone of British Columbia's economy, making up 98% of all businesses and employing over one million people in the province. Yet, they often face unique challenges when integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. 🔍 The ESG for SME Symposium aims to provide practical insights, showcase how SMEs have successfully integrated ESG into their operations, respond to investor requests, and work with larger corporations within the supply chain. Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZGA5fC7 #ESG #Sustainability #BusinessGrowth #ClimateAction

Impact Seminar Series Canada is just around the corner! Join us on May 22nd for insights from expert speakers. Here's a sneak peak at a few of our sessions to get you feeling inspired 💡 🌍 Impact & portfolio alignment: How can we integrate sustainability goals across Canada's investment industry? Katie Wheatley, Head of Canada at UN Principles for Responsible Investment will be sharing key findings from PRI's Legal Framework for Impact project, conducted with research partners UNEP FI and the Generation Foundation. This interactive session will delve into when and how investors can consider pursuing positive sustainability impacts, which policy reforms would further enable investors, and what this all means in practice. 🌍 Investor Panel | Reaching climate objectives by 2030 Moderated by Finance Montréal's Pauline Barraque-Bigot, in this panel investors will address the many challenges they face when allocating to climate. Here are some of the topics they'll be discussing: - How are investors and their managers able to stick to their targets? - What are the tools available to validate data? - How do they hold their partners accountable? - Are less ambitious targets a solution? - How will regulations go forward or change? - How does a climate strategy fit with fiduciary duty? Panelists include: Alexandra C., Investment Manager at McConnell Foundation, David Ung, M.Sc., Director, Sustainable Investing, Global Sustainable Investing Team at Manulife Investment Management, Erin Flanagan, Director, Climate Advisory at PSP Investments and Philippe Bélanger, Head of Responsible Investment at Régime de rentes du Mouvement Desjardins.  Registration is still open, and complimentary for our institutional investor community ➡️ https://hubs.li/Q02wwHxb0 We look forward to welcoming you there! #impactinv #sustainablefinance #impactinvesting

📢 New Special Edition Report is being released!🌍💼 I am thrilled to announce the publication of Embracing Sustainable Finance: Insights from Drew Johnson, United Nations"—our latest Special Edition from CiFi 101! This report delves deep into the evolving world of sustainable finance, capturing a rich conversation with Drew, Associate Director at IE University’s Center for the Governance of Change and former United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) consultant. 🔍 Key Highlights include: - The transformative role of financial institutions in climate adaptation - Effective transition plans for sustainable practices - Insights on collaborative global efforts towards a sustainable future From climate risk to innovative financing structures, Drew provides invaluable perspectives on aligning finance with sustainability goals. Dive in to explore actionable insights that are crucial for fostering resilience and sustainable growth in today's financial landscape. 📖 Read the full report now and join us on the journey to a more sustainable future! Chris Bunio Lorena Sánchez Macanás Moisés Galé Bob Gravestijn Rebecca Harding Lara Martini Fabian Vandenreydt Bruno Schneider Uche Anyamele, PhD Bilal BRAHIM Alaoui-Ismaili #SustainableFinance #ClimateChange #Finance #Investment #Sustainability #DrewJohnson #CiFi101 #ClimateAdaptation #FinancialInstitutions #Resilience #GreenFinance #UNEPFI #TransitionPlans #Collaboration #ImpactInvesting #EconomicGrowth #EnvironmentalStewardship #FinancialServices #Innovation #GlobalGoals #SustainableDevelopment