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GLOBAL CENTRE LAUNCHED TO ACCELERATE CLIMATE FINANCE
- Pioneering new Global Climate Finance Centre in Abu Dhabi to accelerate global climate finance and market design, delivering COP28 legacy
- New knowledge hub to house world-leading research, advisory and skills academy to pioneer new forms of climate finance and establish Abu Dhabi as a leading global marketplace
- Nine global founding members confirm membership including ADGM, ADQ, BlackRock, CIFF, GFANZ, HSBC, Masdar, Ninety One, and the World Bank Group
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Abu Dhabi will host a pioneering Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), that will accelerate the development of climate finance frameworks and skills, and champion best practices in the UAE and globally. The GCFC aims to address key barriers linked to financial frameworks that hinder investment flows, to help make climate finance available, affordable, and accessible as a COP28 legacy for action.
As an independent think-tank and research hub, the GCFC aims to address the root causes currently preventing investment, bringing together cutting-edge research and leading experts to develop fit-for-purpose financial frameworks that are increasingly aligned internationally. By working with stakeholders across sectors, the GCFC will help to create the enabling environment for investment into low-carbon, sustainable and resilient projects.
The GCFC, head-quartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), was first announced by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President during the Finance Session panel on 1st December. Today, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, addressed the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit, part of the Special Edition of ADSW at COP28, where he gave more details of the GCFC’s three core functions:
- Research, Policy and Innovation: As an independent and private-sector-focused global climate finance think-tank, the GCFC will conduct cutting-edge research and share best practices, principles and solutions to align frameworks and build financial markets, enabling greater investment to flow into low-carbon and sustainable investments.
- Advisory and stakeholder engagement: The GCFC will convene private and public stakeholders who are directly facing impediments to develop recommendations and actions that are targeted to deploy funds and incentivize the creation of strong pipelines of bankable investment opportunities. Coalitions and partnerships of relevant actors will be at the core of the GCFC’s work.
- Climate Finance Academy: The GCFC will first and foremost develop a strong knowledge basis on the back of the Abu Dhabi experience on green finance markets, including providing training modules and tailored courses to build expertise and capacity in the UAE. This will establish the Academy as a global thought leader, in turn, opening opportunities to engage with other jurisdictions in supporting the development of tailored financial frameworks well aligned with Abu Dhabi.
Together these initiatives will build capacity in UAE and global financial institutions; scale up green finance market activity and ecosystems; and catalyze international investment into low and zero-carbon initiatives.
The announcement of the GCFC coincides with another landmark climate finance development, the launch of ALTÉRRA, a US$30 billion catalytic climate vehicle that will drive forward international efforts to create a fairer climate finance system with an emphasis on improving access to funding for the Global South. ALTÉRRA will aim to mobilize US$250 billion globally by 2030, steering private markets towards climate investments with a focus on transforming emerging markets and developing economies where traditional investment has lacked due to the higher perceived risks across those geographies. By supporting the creation of climate financial markets, the GCFC will help enable ALTÉRRA to build a climate finance ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and unlock funds into climate investments around the world at a transformational scale.
Commenting on the creation of the GCFC, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “The scale of the climate crisis demands urgent and game-changing solutions from every industry. Finance plays a critical role in turning our ambitions into action and is essential to eliminating emissions and keeping 1.5C within reach. COP28 must be an inflection point as we unite the world on how we bridge the gaps to 2030 identified in the Global Stocktake. To do this, we need an all-of-the-above approach that includes everyone because everyone is needed. That is why I greatly welcome this new Global Climate Finance Centre which will catalyze the transformation of UAE financial markets and institutions towards a greener and more sustainable future. It will put Abu Dhabi and the UAE at the forefront of driving global change in sustainable finance, providing a positive legacy for years to come.”
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi commented at ADSW: “Abu Dhabi knows how to deliver rapid progress, which is increasingly critical as we respond to global economic and environmental challenges. Just as we have built ADGM as a pioneering International Financial Centre in just eight years, it is now time for Abu Dhabi to build a new pioneer for global climate finance. This new GCFC will unlock new capital flows into the region as the Emirate becomes a key marketplace for sustainable finance, building upon ADGM’s progressive Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework. Our ambition is for the benefits of this world-leading facility to touch every corner of our planet.”
The GCFC is a global institution. In addition to ADGM, the other Founding Members of the GCFC are ADQ, BlackRock, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), HSBC, Masdar, Ninety One, and the World Bank Group. The Founding Members will provide strategic direction to the GCFC, drawing on their deep expertise, experience, and networks. The GCFC will seek to work with peer institutions and knowledge partners to build on sustainable finance leadership, develop expertise in-house and deliver maximum impact.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “As we work to accelerate economic transformation and sustainable growth, it is vital that we support innovation in sustainable finance. As a founding member of the GCFC, ADQ is committed to helping deliver lasting impact that will also increase the diversification of the Abu Dhabi economy and strengthen its growing sustainable finance sector.”
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “BlackRock is delighted to participate in the launch of the GCFC. The future focus of the think tank speaks directly to a number of areas of interest for many of our clients around the world, as they seek the best data, analytics and insights to navigate the risks and capture the investment opportunities of the transition to a low-carbon economy. As we do with many think tanks and organizations around the world, we look forward to contributing our insights and research to the GCFC.”
Kate Hampton, Chief Executive Officer of CIFF, said: “Scaling high-quality, low-cost climate finance for developing countries is essential to keep 1.5 degrees alive and to enable long-term, green, and resilient growth. CIFF is pleased to be partnering with the Global Climate Finance Centre, which can bring transparency and ambition to investors’ transition finance targets and delivery and align that capital with NDCs.”
Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance and Co-Chair, Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), said, “Innovation is needed to accelerate the flow of climate finance and build a bridge to a more prosperous future. GFANZ is looking forward to supporting the Global Climate Finance Centre, to close the gaps in data, action, and investment we must address to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. We applaud the UAE’s leadership in tackling the most pressing and difficult challenges and look forward to working together on our shared mission to scale transition finance and mobilize capital to the global south.”
Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive at HSBC, said: “For the world to achieve its climate goals, it is absolutely critical that thinking continues to evolve, markets continue to develop, and countries continue to collaborate. HSBC is pleased to be a founding member of the Global Climate Finance Centre, which underlines the COP28 Presidency’s commitment to making this a COP of action while putting in place the tools needed to help deliver a net zero future.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “We welcome this important initiative, and Abu Dhabi is the perfect location to host the Global Climate Finance Center. Masdar looks forward to supporting this independent think-tank through our rich experience and pioneering legacy in financing and developing clean energy projects across the globe.”
Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ninety One, said: “Ninety One looks forward to supporting the GCFC in partnership with the UAE. Climate finance is a vital part of the battle against climate change. This launch represents decisive, ambitious action.”
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, said: “We need the resources and ingenuity of the private sector, we need all shoulders to the wheel. This partnership embodies that cooperation, helping scale up solutions for low-carbon, climate-smart investments.”
The GCFC will be led by Mercedes Vela Monserrate as its Chief Executive Officer. Being the sustainability lead for ADGM and a key advisor to COP28, Monserrate brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead the centre in its mission to drive global change in sustainable finance.
Mercedes Vela Monserrate said, “I am honoured to lead the Global Climate Finance Centre and contribute to the transformation of financial markets towards a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our global partners, we aim to create a positive legacy by making climate finance more accessible and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The GCFC website also launched today: www.gcfc.com.
The UAE has the capital, the capability and the ambition to serve as a global climate finance hub. In July 2023 ADGM implemented its Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework, comprising the region’s most comprehensive ESG disclosure requirements and a regulatory framework for finds, discretionary managed portfolio, bonds and sukuks designed to accelerate the transition of the UAE to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The GCFC also builds upon ADGM initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration which has nearly 120 signatories, and the School of Sustainable Finance at the ADGM Academy. The GCFC will champion the accelerated growth of green finance in the region, with a focus on capital markets, and will build on the momentum created by COP28 in establishing ADGM as a strategic leader of sustainable finance.
ADSW is a global platform and event delivered by Masdar, which brings together heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and youth, who all have a stake in the future of our planet, to discuss and engage on bold climate action and innovations that will ensure the next generation a sustainable world.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-centre-launched-to-accelerate-climate-finance-302004475.html
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa met this week with Zambia’s former Vice President and Special Envoy Enoch Kavindele to discuss SADC’s candidate for the AfDB
President Mnangagwa, who is SADC Chairperson, reaffirmed his own country’s and SADC’s enthusiastic support for Zambian candidate Sam Maimbo
LUSAKA, Zambia, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Special Envoy Kavindele released the following statement following the meeting:
“I am elated to witness the growing success and momentum of Sam Maimbo’s candidacy to become the next President of the African Development Bank. I am filled with gratitude to our friends across both SADC and COMESA for their continued support and good wishes.
Sam has garnered such wide consensus due to his being uniquely qualified to deliver the transformative change and empowerment our continent needs. Sam’s 30 years in development work is defined by driving outcomes, improving processes, and investing in people. The AfDB needs a hands-on leader who is laser focused on delivering results and who is unafraid of making tough decisions in order to best serve our continent. Sam is that leader. Sam has the track record and experience to drastically enhance the pace, scale, and impact of the Bank’s work in service of the people and governments of Africa.
Our region has a proud history of supporting fellow Southern Africans. For example, we all recall Lusaka’s role in hosting the African National Congress’ headquarters during the dark days of Apartheid oppression.
It therefore gives me no pleasure to observe my South African brothers, who have themselves leant on Zambia’s steadfast friendship over many decades, fail to rally behind both SADC and COMESA’s chosen candidate for the AfDB. Africa’s urgent economic development challenges demand transformational leadership at the AfDB, it is all of our responsibility to put forward the best candidate for the job. This is not the time or place for a government to act with narrow self-interest, we all must act in the continent’s and AfDB’s best interest.
I thank Sam Maimbo for his lifelong service to our entire continent, and I am eager to witness his enormous impact as President of the AfDB.”
LONDON, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Heimdal Security shares a practical holiday cybersecurity checklist, offering expert insights to help businesses safeguard against cyber threats this festive season.
With reduced staffing, remote work setups, and a surge in online shopping creating heightened vulnerabilities, this guide offers actionable tips to enhance business security.
Going beyond basic advice, the checklist also highlights the most common holiday scams and features videos showcasing real-life examples of Christmas-themed cyber scams and effective prevention strategies.
Key Tips to Protect Businesses This Holiday Season:
- Strengthen endpoints: Ensure devices are updated with antivirus and endpoint protection software; consider Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and application whitelisting.
- Prepare for phishing spikes: Train staff to identify suspicious emails, enforce robust email filters, and establish protocols for reporting unusual activity.
- Secure remote access: Mandate VPN usage, monitor unusual logins, and deactivate inactive accounts temporarily.
- Segment and shield networks: Isolate sensitive areas, deploy DNS security and advanced firewalls, and maintain full visibility over network traffic.
- Apply timely patches: Regularly update all systems and test patches in a controlled environment to minimize disruptions.
- Mitigate supply chain risks: Assess vendors thoroughly and limit their access to essential systems.
- Have a response plan ready: Tailor incident protocols for the holidays, create an on-call rotation for the IT team, and enable rapid action against suspicious activity.
“ Cybercriminals thrive on holiday distractions, but with proactive measures like phishing training, secure endpoints, and network segmentation, businesses can stay ahead of potential threats,” said Alex Panait, System Administrator at Heimdal Security.
Common Holiday Scams That Businesses Should Watch For:
Cybercriminals often tailor their tactics to exploit the festive season. The most common scams include:
- Spear phishing: Emails disguised as holiday bonuses or event invitations that steal credentials or spread malware.
- Malicious holiday E-Cards: Festive greetings that contain links deploying ransomware or spyware.
- Fake E-Commerce sites: Fraudulent websites offering discounts to steal payment information.
- Insider threats: Distracted or disgruntled employees mishandling or exploiting sensitive data.
- Corporate travel scams: Fake booking platforms targeting business travelers.
- Business email compromise (BEC): Fraudulent requests for urgent wire transfers during year-end financial rushes.
For more, read the full article here or watch the video on YouTube to see how these threats unfold and learn actionable prevention strategies.
About Heimdal:
Established in Copenhagen in 2014, Heimdal® empowers CISOs, security teams, and IT administrators to improve their security operations, reduce alert fatigue, and implement proactive measures through a unified command and control platform.
Heimdal’s award-winning cybersecurity solutions span the entire IT estate, addressing challenges from endpoint to network levels, including vulnerability management, privileged access, Zero Trust implementation, and ransomware prevention.
For further press information:
Madalina Popovici
Media Relations Manager
[email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stay-cyber-safe-this-holiday-season-heimdals-checklist-for-business-security-302337465.html
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According to Tickmill survey, 3 in 10 Britons in economic difficulty: Purchasing power down 41% since 2004
The people who have the most problems are women (30%) and are between 35 and 49 years old (39%)
ROME, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The purchasing power in the UK has dropped by 41% over the last 20 years. Today, £100,000 left in a bank account since 2004 without being invested would now be worth £59,021.
This figure is one of the findings from a study conducted by Tickmill, an international online trading broker that compared the economic situation in the UK and the European Union through the infographic “Purchasing Power and Cost of Living: UK vs EU”.
The analysis reveals a slight decline of 0.4% in the UK’s purchasing power, which currently stands at £41,573. In contrast, the European Union has seen a modest rise of 0.1%, reaching £40,874.
Why is purchasing power declining in the UK? One key factor is the cost of living. If the UK were still part of the European Union, it would rank as the fifth most expensive country, behind Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Unsurprisingly, 3 in 10 Britons are struggling with the cost of living. Women (3 in 10, compared to 25% of men), those aged between 35 and 49 (4 in 10), households earning less than £15,000 (6 in 10), and single parents (1 in 2) are among the most affected groups.
Among UK nations, Northern Ireland is the hardest hit, with 34% of its population facing financial difficulties, followed by Wales (31%), England (28%), and Scotland (22%). In England, the North East has the highest percentage of people struggling, with 4 in 10 residents affected. Even in London, the high costs impact 1 in 4 adults.
In response to these challenges, Britons are making significant adjustments:
- 53% have cut back or delayed spending on smaller items like eating out, entertainment, subscriptions, clothing, toys, books, etc.;
- 52% have reduced household energy consumption;
- 48% have decreased their grocery spending;
- 41% have scaled back or postponed major expenditures, such as holidays, cars, and weddings;
- 26% are working longer hours, taking on overtime, or pursuing additional jobs to earn extra income.
The British also made changes on the financial side. One in four adults has been forced to dip into their savings or investments to cover daily expenses. Moreover, 44% have stopped saving or investing entirely or have reduced their savings and investments—a 4% increase compared to 2023.
The lack of investment is another critical factor contributing to the decline in purchasing power. It is estimated that 13 million UK residents hold £430 billion in cash deposits but do not invest. The reasons? Seventy-four percent say they cannot compare investment products effectively, and 43% are afraid of losing their money.
A lack of knowledge and fear are preventing many savers from taking advantage of an important opportunity: preserving or increasing their purchasing power in the long term.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586123/Tickmill.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586129/Tickmill_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/according-to-tickmill-survey-3-in-10-britons-in-economic-difficulty-purchasing-power-down-41-since-2004-302337354.html
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