GCSRF Successfully Hosted Three Forums on Climate Challenges in the Blue Zone at COP28
As a leading advocate for corporate social responsibility, Global CSR Foundation recently hosted three impactful forums in the Blue Zone at COP28, focusing on crucial climate-related topics.
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held from November 30 to December 13, 2023, at the Expo City Dubai. This conference conducted a “Global Stocktake” of the progress made by countries in addressing climate change since the Paris Agreement, discussed global climate adaptation goals and mitigation plans, and resulted in the formation of the “UAE Consensus.” Key outcomes of COP28 include:
- For the first time, the resolution text formally includes references to “reducing fossil fuel” use. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell described this resolution as the “Beginning of the End” of the fossil fuel era.
- Parties unanimously agreed to officially launch the global “Loss and Damage Fund,” which will be operated by a financial intermediary managed by the World Bank.
COP28 saw the highest number of participants in the history of UN climate conferences, with nearly 100,000 attendees from around the world gathering in Dubai. This marks a significant mainstreaming of climate issues in global discourse. Over the two weeks, a multitude of commitments and declarations were made on topics including nature, health, and energy transition, reflecting a strong collective willingness to continue and strengthen climate action. “Since 2018, the Global CSR Foundation has steadfastly built global partnerships to achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Climate change, which is Goal 13, is intricately linked with the other 16 goals and requires immediate, unified global action,” said Jing Zhao Cesarone, CEO of the Global CSR Foundation.
Green and Sustainable Finance Forum: Empowering the Global Financial Ecosystem
Since the signing of the Paris Agreement, over 100 countries and regions have committed to achieving carbon neutrality. Green and sustainable finance has become a significant force driving global economic, trade, technological, and international financial cooperation. Finance is the lifeblood of the real economy and a catalyst for economic development. Addressing climate challenges, engaging in climate investment, and advancing green and sustainable finance are crucial for achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Key speakers at the Green and Sustainable Finance Forum included renowned economist and Imperial College London Professor of Finance Patrick Bolton; former Chairman of Sinopec and COP28 Advisory Committee member Fu Chengyu; Kucoin Chief Sustainability Officer Nancy Cheung; Strategic Development Director Frederick Samama; Chair of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva Beatrice Weder di Mauro; and Founder Partner of Affirma Capital Gilbert Zeng. The forum was hosted by Huang Haizhou, Vice President of the China Society of World Economics and a member of the Hong Kong Financial Development Council. During the forum, these experts, along with other scholars from finance, technology, and environmental fields, delved into the challenges of climate change, discussed actionable response strategies, and facilitated collaboration opportunities.
Climate Crisis and the Health of Women and Girls: A Gender Perspective
Climate change is aptly termed a “threat multiplier,” meaning it exacerbates socio-economic and political tensions in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas, leading to increased gender-based violence. The forum discussed strategies from a gender perspective, which may help provide a practical framework for achieving Sustainable Development Goal #3 and the specific goal of leaving no one behind in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Speakers at the forum included: H.E. Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry, the First Lady of Suriname; and H.E. Ann Davis, the First Lady of the Bahamas. The forum was chaired by Dr. Padmini Murthy, Global Director of the American Medical Women’s Association. Other speakers included: Dr. Hoda Al Khazmi, Assistant Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi; Dr. Shammah Al Memmari, UAE Public Health Expert; Dr. Bhavani Bijlani Rao, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Amrita University; Dr. Asrar Rashid, Chair of Pediatric Services at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, Dubai; and Jing Cesarone, CEO of the Global CSR Foundation.
Joining Forces: An Intergenerational Approach to Climate Advocacy
On December 3, the forum focused on the innovative work that bridges the younger and older generations through an intergenerational approach to climate advocacy. The knowledge and experience shared by the speakers underscored the tangible actions that can be implemented at all levels to combat climate change. The discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches and shared best practices to address the impacts of climate change while fostering partnerships between stakeholders. The forum was moderated by Aishwarya Narasimhadevara, Advisor to the United Nations Department of Global Communications Youth Steering Committee.
Speakers included Pascal Barollier, Chief Operations and Information Officer of GAVI; Jing Cesarone, CEO of Global CSR Foundation; Juan Pablo Celis García, Program Management Officer at the United Nations Environment Program; Keziah Gerosano, CEO of the Dholakia Foundation; Olumide Idowu of the African International Climate Change Development Project; Dr. Padmini Murthy, Global Head of the American Medical Women’s Association; Xi (Carter) Qiu, Vice Chairman of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance; Ashan Perera, Founder of The Road to Rights; and Sun Wei, Managing Director of Shenzhen Qianhai Yinghuan Investment Development Co., Ltd.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” The Global CSR Foundation hosted these forums at the Blue Zone during the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), delving into key climate-related issues. Topics included green sustainable finance, the gender perspective on the climate crisis, and an intergenerational approach to climate advocacy. These discussions attracted the attention of global leaders and experts, aiming to drive actionable strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By emphasizing collaborative approaches and innovative solutions, the foundation continues its commitment to advancing global climate action.
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