The sustainable transition and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require substantial investments in new technologies and solutions, with both public and private companies encouraged to invest in the development of these technologies while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Financial tools need to align with strategic goals, and companies must track progress, communicate key performance indicators, and engage with the financial community.

Global investors are supporting this transition, but small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up over 95% of businesses and contribute more than 40% to global GDP, may be overlooked by institutional investors due to their smaller scale. However, there is a growing interest in sustainable investing among retail investors, and innovative financial products can bridge the gap and provide opportunities for action.

The webinar was focused on concrete opportunities for companies, including SMEs, to expand their investor base by leveraging existing experiences and practices. It has also involved representatives from sustainable financial centers, who will share best practices and policies from different countries to contribute to this important conversation.

Programme

14:00-14:10 Welcome remarks and introduction

Gianfrancesco Rizzuti, COO, Italian Banking Insurance and Finance Federation and Member of the Executive Committee, ESGeneration Italy

Stephen Nolan, Managing Director, FC4S

14.10-14:25 “The role of Chief Financing Officer in driving low-carbon transition”

Fabrizio Palmucci, Senior Advisor, Climate Bonds Initiative

14:25-15:15 Round table discussion
“Financing the sustainable transition: experiences and best practices in involving institutional and retail investors”

- Navina Balasingam, General Manager, Capital Markets Malaysia

- Anna Marucci, Head of Debt and Funds Listing Italy, Italian Stock Exchange

- Malaika Rousseau, Senior Strategy and Policy Analyst, Rwanda Finance Limited, Kigali International Financial Center

Moderated by: Patrizia Celia, Head of Large Caps, Investment Vehicles & Sustainable Finance Partnership, Italian Stock Exchange and Member of the Executive Committee, ESGeneration Italy

15:15-15:25 Q&A Session

15:25-15:30 Closing remarks

Francesco Bicciato, Executive Director, Italian Sustainable Investment Forum (ItaSIF) and Member of the Executive Committee, ESGeneration Italy