Mahmoud Mohieldin to Explore Sustainable Finance Strategies

Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt and UN Special Envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, will serve as a keynote speaker at the inaugural UN Global Compact Annual Forum. Dr. Mohieldin’s extensive expertise will enrich discussions on the challenges hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pivotal role of sustainable finance in corporate sustainability strategies and operations.

Themed “Pathways to Sustainable Africa,” the UN Global Compact Annual Forum is scheduled for May 20th and 21st. This landmark event seeks to serve as a catalyst for collaborative efforts across sectors including the private sector, international organizations, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders. Africa’s representatives will engage in conversations covering diverse challenges, best practices, and the way forward, thereby enriching the discourse and facilitating the exchange of innovative solutions.

“Sustainable finance is the cornerstone of achieving the SDGs. Traditional financial systems often prioritize short-term gains, neglecting the long-term environmental and social impacts. Sustainable finance, however, redirects investments towards projects that are environmentally responsible, socially conscious, and economically viable. By mobilizing private sector investment in these areas, particularly clean energy, responsible business practices, and cutting-edge technologies, we can create a win-win situation. Businesses can enhance their long-term resilience, brand reputation, and access to new markets, while simultaneously contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable society,” Stated Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin.

“The UN Global Compact Annual Forum stands as a crucial platform to drive this agenda forward. Here, businesses, policymakers, and social change makers can convene, share optimal approaches, and forge partnerships that will unlock the full potential of sustainable finance. Through collective action, we can accelerate progress towards building a more sustainable future for all,” he further elaborated.

Dr. Mohieldin brings to the table over 30 years of experience in international finance and development. As the former World Bank Group Senior Vice President for the 2030 Development Agenda, United Nations Relations & Partnerships, and the former Minister of Investment of Egypt, his insights are invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of sustainable development.

The UN Global Compact Annual Forum, organized in collaboration with Africa Business Leaders Coalition, features six essential panel discussions that delve into critical topics, including climate finance, education, green hydrogen, sustainable communities, responsible supply chains, and food security. These thematic areas have been carefully selected based on prevailing global sustainability trends for the year 2024, thoroughly scrutinizing the UN’s Six Transition principles.

The pioneering two-day event represents a pivotal platform where diverse entities can unite to create an environment that nurtures ethical leadership and provides unified pathways towards sustainable development across Africa and the globe. It highlights Egypt’s crucial role in bridging continents and fostering alliances to address key global challenges through cross-sector partnerships.