• Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, President of IFS • Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, CEO, Qatar Financial Centre

• Sonia Gandhi CFA, Senior Director-Education, CFA Institute • Tareq A. Al-Ansari, Acting Executive Director, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), HBKU

• Yaseen Anwar, Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan & Central Asia Chair of Green Investment Principles (GIP) • Mahamadou Tounkara, Regional Director, Middle East & North Africa (MENA), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

In the MENA region, where energy consumption is high and industries heavily relies on fossil fuels, transitioning to low-GHG alternatives is critical. This session will discuss the role of sustainable finance in facilitating the transition to low-GHG alternatives in the MENA region's high-energy-consuming sectors, such as transport, chemicals, aviation and so on. The focus will be on attracting private investment, mitigating risks, and sharing successful models in these sectors. Experts will highlight financial mechanisms, policy incentives, and technological advancements, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel, to support decarbonization and scale up sustainable solutions. Moderator: • Osama Ali, Managing Director, Head of Global Banking, HSBC Panel Discussants: • Zalina Shamsudin, Head of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, CBI • Kai Keller, Lead, Policy and Government Relations, Financial and Monetary Systems, World Economic Forum

This session will focus on the development and significance of sustainable finance in the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing the interplay between market dynamics and policy frameworks. As the region seeks to diversify its economies and reduce dependency on oil, sustainable finance has become a cornerstone of economic strategy. Policy frameworks for sustainable finance typically involve identifying sustainable economic activities, such as a sustainable finance taxonomy, sustainability disclosure, policy incentives, diversified financial products and capacity building, in addition to setting clear targets to guide investments and track progress. For example, Qatar aims to reduce GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 under its National Climate Change Action Plan. Additionally, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has implemented sustainability reporting guidelines to promote ESG practices among listed companies. This session will analyze market trends, regulatory policies, and strategic priorities, highlighting how these elements collectively drive the transition towards a sustainable economic model in the Middle East. In the meantime, Islamic finance also pays high attention to sustainability, such as the green sukuk, which will also be covered. Moderator: • Dalal Aassouli, HBKU & Global Impact Fintech (GIFT) Board Memberand MENA Director Panel Discussants: • Maha Al Saadi, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Financial Services Sector, QFC • Yin Hong, Senior Expert in Credit Approval Department of ICBC, Vice Chair of China Green Finance Committee • Leng Bing, Board member, ISSB • Bashar Al-Natoor, Managing Director, Global Head Islamic Finance, Fitch Ratings

This session will explore the crucial role of carbon trading in advancing sustainability and reducing GHG emissions. Carbon trading, including both compliance and voluntary markets, provides a market-based solution, enabling countries and firms to buy and sell emission allowances, thus encouraging reductions in carbon footprints. For example, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes plans to develop a carbon market to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependency. This session will discuss the mechanisms of carbon trading, update on regional initiatives, and their economic and environmental impacts, with an aim to offer insights on how carbon trading as a policy lever can support unlock sustainability potentials and support green growth and economic diversification in the region. Moderator: • Calvin Quek, Engagement Director, Transition Asia Panel Discussants: • Marcello Contestabile, Chief Economist, QEERI, HBKU • Anton Tsvetov, Associate Director for Policy, The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) [online] • Luyue Tan, Senior Carbon Analyst, London Stock Exchange Group

This session will focus on the critical role of investment and financing in driving the innovation of green technologies, especially in the MENA region, with an emphasis on energy-saving technologies and energy alternatives, particularly hydrogen technology, water-saving innovations, green buildings, food security and green agricultural business advancements, etc. The region faces significant environmental challenges, necessitating the development of green technologies for sustainable growth. Countries like Saudi Arabia have taken proactive steps; for example, the NEOM project plans a $5 billion investment in a green hydrogen plant, aiming to establish leadership in hydrogen energy globally. Similarly, the UAE's Water Security Strategy 2036 targets a 21% reduction in total water demand, highlighting its commitment to resource sustainability. This panel discussion will explore various financing options that can support the advancement and deployment of these technologies, accelerating the adoption of sustainable solutions and fostering innovation in the Middle East. Moderator: • Ge Xing’An, Vice President, Susallwave Panel Discussants: • Alexandra Soezer, Director for the Climate Action Centre of Excellence, Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) • Xiao Wang, Economist, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

This session will explore the pivotal role of financial technologies (FinTech) in advancing sustainable financing in the MENA region. As the region embraces digital transformation, FinTech provides innovative solutions that enhance transparency, reduce transaction costs, and facilitate access to green finance. By leveraging technologies like blockchain and AI, FinTech empowers enterprises to engage in sustainable economic activities and improves financial inclusion. FinTech could play a special role in facilitating carbon trading. The FinTech ecosystem in the region is rapidly growing, driven by a surge in startups and investments. This session will examine how FinTech innovations integrate into sustainable finance strategies, discuss supportive regulatory frameworks, and highlight the development of systems to streamline green finance and ESG evaluations, particularly benefiting SMEs. Moderator: • Gabriel Wong, Chief Commercial Advisor， MetaVerse Green Exchange Panel Discussants: • Patil Mesrobian, Sustainability Solutions Director – MEA, S&P Global Sustainable1, United Arab Emirates • Michael S Wood, Partner, MENA EY Sustainability

This session will explore the role of transition finance, focusing on the development and implementation of transition plans, innovative financial products and Islamic finance. Transition finance is crucial for helping economies shift from high-carbon activities to sustainable practices, especially in the oil-dependent countries in the region. For example, the aims set for energy generated from renewables by 2030 would account for 50% for Saudi Arabia, 20% for Qatar and 52% for Morocco, while Egypt aims for 42% by 2035 and will invest in green hydrogen projects, aiming to attract around $40 billion in investments. We will discuss the structured plans and strategies these countries are using to meet these targets, including sector-specific roadmaps and national policy frameworks. The session will also showcase innovative financial products such as green bonds, green sukuk, sustainability-linked loans and bonds. By analyzing these aspects, this session aims to provide insights into how the region can leverage financial innovation to achieve sustainability goals. Moderator: • Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, President of IFS Panel Discussants: • Leo Chi Wai Tong, Head of Sustainability, QNB • Adnan Aziz, Chief Program Officer, Global Islamic Finance Program for Climate, Nature and Development (GIFP) • Dina Zhanadil, Managing Director, Development Bank of Kazakhstan • Muez Ali, Senior Policy and Research Associate from the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, Qatar Foundation

To be released soon.