The urgency for a sustainable economy has never been greater. As we witness the escalating impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, the call for action resonates across the globe. In this pivotal era, the Green and Sustainable Finance: Finance for a Sustainable Future conference emerges as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

Current patterns of energy and natural resource use require urgent remediation. These patterns contribute to the climate crisis, depletion of natural resources, and reduced economic growth.

This one-day conference will be held at the Royal Hall Nicosia, on the 18th January 2024. It promises to ignite crucial discussions about sustainable finance and the opportunities it presents. The event will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including keynote experts from the UK and other countries, who bring a wealth of experience from the banking and financial sectors.

Green and Sustainable finance plays a fundamental role in promoting the transition to a carbon neutral and sustainable Europe. The finance sector, globally, must adopt new economic models to eliminate climate change and environmental degradation. The overall aim is to ensure economic growth and business recovery whilst focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.

The European Commission’s Sustainable Finance Strategy aligns with the European Green Deal. The two are interrelated, given that in order to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal, large financial flows are required in sustainable investments. 

These investments should be directed towards the development of green projects and technologies with low carbon footprints and the preservation of the natural environment including installations of renewable energy sources, alternative fuel projects, and more.

The second “Green and Sustainable Finance conference,” organized for the second consecutive year, aims to highlight the enormous power that lies in the financial sector through funding, and raises awareness on issues of sustainability. 

In achieving this, a wealth of experts on the subject will be there to share their knowledge and to discuss this essential economic transition. The conference will host a panel of experts from both the private and public sector, from Cyprus and abroad, which are closely related to this field.

Proudly supported by the British High Commission in Nicosia and organized by ideopsis Ltd and Grant Thornton (Cyprus) Ltd, the conference boasts an impressive array of speakers:

• HE British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Irfan Siddiq
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, George Panteli
• Prof. Megan Bowman, Director of Centre for Climate Law & Governance, King's College London
• Dr. Andreas Ashiotis, Vice Chairman, Cyprus Economy & Competitiveness Council
• Nikos Isaris, Deputy Head, Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus
• Prof. George Kassinis, Department of Business and Public Administration, University of Cyprus
• Athena Panayiotou, Director General, Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation
• Moderator: Constandinos Tsindas, Journalist at ΡΙΚ (CyBC)
• Marina Strovolidou, Head of Certification, Climate Bonds Initiative
• Annita Pavlou, Manager Investor Relations & ESG, Bank of Cyprus
• Makis Ketonis, Ketonis Developments Ltd
• Fani Xylouri, Head Sustainability & ESG Services, Grant Thornton Luxembourg
• Madeline Schneider, Director of Operations of the PCAF Secretariat and Associate Director at Guidehouse
• Panayiotis Demetriades, Senior Legal Advisor, Costas P. Demetriades LLC, Member of the Cyprus Bar Association
• Moderator: Olga Kandinskaia, Associate Professor of Finance, UoL
• Concluding Remarks: Fiona Mullen, Director, Sapienta Economics

FastForward is immensely proud to be the exclusive sponsor of this vital conference. Our commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions aligns perfectly with the conference's mission. We believe that by supporting such initiatives, we are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Your presence and participation are crucial in this collective journey. Join, and be part of the change.