As industrialization intensifies environmental pressures, the need for sustainable finance has surged to critical levels. Asia currently represents less than 1% of the global sustainable investment market, highlighting an immense growth opportunity. To address this, the 2024 Global Forum—co-hosted by Singapore Management University (SMU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU)—will convene on October 26 under the theme, “Innovation, Green Finance, and Sustainable Development.” This event unites leaders in academia, industry, and policy to drive strategies for sustainable development, particularly within Asia’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Transition Finance: A Practical Path to Emission Reduction
Transition finance will be a primary focus at the forum. This innovative financial strategy enables high-emission sectors to shift progressively toward greener practices, reducing emissions without compromising economic growth. Given Asia’s unique market dynamics, transition finance presents an opportunity to address environmental challenges while unlocking significant economic potential. With this approach, Asia can play a crucial role in advancing global sustainability goals.
Expert Insights from Global Leaders
The Global Forum 2024 will feature a distinguished roster of experts sharing insights on sustainable finance:
- Prof. Liang Hao from SMU, a leading expert in impact investing and decarbonizing carbon-heavy sectors, will discuss financial tools for driving low-carbon transitions in Asia.
- Prof. Shawn A. Cole of Harvard Business School will offer global insights on financial services and impact investing, with lessons tailored to Asia’s unique market context.
- Mr. Zhang Dachuan, Head of ESG Business at J.P. Morgan Asset Management (China), will address the integration of ESG standards into profit models to foster sustainable business practices in China.
- Prof. Wang Tan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dr. Wu Haifeng from CUHK Shenzhen will delve into areas such as carbon markets and green technology innovation, enriching the forum’s comprehensive approach to sustainable finance.
Through these perspectives, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how Asia can achieve its economic growth and sustainability ambitions.
SMU’s Leadership in Sustainable Finance
SMU stands as a regional leader in sustainable finance, blending academic insights with practical applications. Its Singapore Green Finance Centre (SGFC), in collaboration with Imperial College London and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, conducts cutting-edge research and provides training to build sustainable finance expertise across the region. The SGFC’s executive education and training programs are pivotal in preparing financial professionals to lead Asia’s low-carbon transition. SMU’s partnerships with institutions such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CUHK Shenzhen, Harvard University, and Imperial College London continue to expand its influence in sustainable finance, reinforcing its role in shaping Asia’s sustainable finance landscape.
A Collaborative Platform for Global Solutions
Since its inception, the Global Forum has promoted East-West collaboration. In this 13th edition, SMU and ZJU aim to create a platform where thought leaders can exchange insights, propose solutions, and spur action toward global sustainability. This year’s forum offers participants an opportunity to explore how transition finance and other innovative financial tools can address the dual challenges of economic growth and sustainability. As SMU’s Prof. Liang Hao remarks, “Transition finance provides a pathway for industries to embrace sustainable practices without sacrificing growth. This is essential for Asia’s economy and the global transition to a low-carbon future.”
Empowering Sustainable Growth in Asia
The 2024 Global Forum is more than an academic event—it’s a collaborative mission where leaders from Asia and beyond converge to shape the future of sustainable finance. By prioritizing green finance, technological innovation, and responsible growth, Asia is positioning itself as a crucial player in the global sustainability movement. As the world confronts pressing environmental issues, forums like these are essential for fostering dialogue, exploring sustainable finance solutions, and advancing practices that benefit both economies and ecosystems. The event, hosted across Singapore and China, is expected to pave the way for Asia’s next steps in sustainable finance, moving us closer to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy.
