UNEP FI will mobilise its extensive network of banks, insurers, and investors during Climate Week NYC 2024 to highlight the critical role of finance in addressing climate change, nature loss and pollution, leading key discussions and events, showcasing major initiatives and commitments from financial institutions. By facilitating high-level participation and collaborative efforts, UNEP FI aims to drive the finance sector’s contribution to global sustainability goals, supporting the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.

 

Key Events:

 

20-21 Sep | Summit of the Future Action Days
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is convening the Summit of the Future Action Days at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Bringing together representatives from Member States, civil society, private sector, academia, local and regional authorities, youth, and many more, the Action Days will provide an opportunity for broad engagement and inclusion.

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The Action Days will kick off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon followed by a Saturday programme which will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. In addition to the three themes, there will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations. Expected participants include Heads of State, Ministers, senior UN officials and representatives from the private sector, civil society and other actors. Learn more here.

Access information:

  • The Summit of the Future Action Days will be open to all interested stakeholders and representatives of organizations whose work has been relevant in shaping, and/or to the implementation of, the Pact for the Future. All in-person participants MUST have either a valid UN grounds pass or a Special Events Ticket issued by the United Nations to enter the United Nations Headquarters during the Summit of the Future Action Days. For more information, please click here.

 

23 Sep | 08:30 – 10:30 EDT | Climate and Health Insurer Breakfast

Location: 685 3rd Ave, New York
The Climate and Health Insurer Breakfast, hosted by Sun Life, will focus on the growing risks from catastrophic events and the impact of climate change on future mortality within the life and health insurance industry. Participants will explore how these challenges are being modeled and addressed, with discussions centered on adapting to the evolving risks posed by climate change. The event will also include facilitated breakout sessions, allowing participants to share experiences and insights on integrating climate considerations into their business strategies.

Access information:

 

24 September | Sustainable Investment Forum North America
The Sustainable Investment Forum North America, in partnership with Climate Action, sets the stage for the finance community during Climate Week NYC. Recognized for uniting asset owners with over USD $3 trillion in assets under management, the 9th annual edition will convene 500 qualified institutional investors and financial leaders to advance sustainable investment practices.

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This year, at the Sustainable Investment Forum, UNEP FI will also launch a Nature Positive Finance Discussion Paper, developed in collaboration with the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation (FfB), proposing definitions of nature-positive, nature impact, and nature-mainstreaming finance relevant to banking and investment activities. This paper will illustrate how these definitions can be applied at both portfolio and individual transaction levels across five major asset classes, contributing to CBD discussions on tracking private funding for GBF implementation (Indicator D3). More information can be found on the event website here.

Access information:

  • UNEP FI members: A limited amount of complimentary passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Layalee Ramahi for more information.
  • Asset Owners and Climate Leaders: If you are an Institutional Investor or you are eligible for a Climate Leader Pass, then please apply today for a complimentary pass.
  • NGOs, corporates and responsible investors: UNEP FI is also delighted to have a 25% discount for our network to attend the Forum, use code UNEPFI25 

 

25 Sep | Nature-Positive Finance Breakfast
The Nature-Positive Finance Breakfast, presented in collaboration with Ceres and WWF and hosted by Societe Generale, will take place on Wednesday, September 25. This two-hour breakfast event will offer valuable insights into systems thinking in the climate-nature nexus for financial actors. Discussions will cover current strategies for nature-positive finance, the risks, and opportunities of investing in nature to meet our climate goals.

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The event will also include facilitated breakout sessions for participants to share experiences on how they are thinking about nature risks and opportunities, integrating them into their work, and the information they need to make assessments. Participants will explore how nature-based investments can support building a more resilient future.

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26 Sep | Launch of the Finance for Nature Positive

The Finance for Nature Positive Discussion Paper, presented by the Finance for Biodiversity (FfB) Foundation and UNEP FI, seeks feedback from the financial sector on a proposed working model to guide institutions toward contributing to the global Nature Positive goal. This model aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) mission and offers clear guidance on definitions and best practices to drive nature-positive strategies. The paper will be officially launched at the World Biodiversity Summit 2024 on the sidelines of UNGA 79.

 

27 Sep | 8:30 – 12:45 EDT | Implementation of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 by financial institutions with the IFRS Foundation

Location: LSEG, 28 Liberty Street, 56th Floor
This co-hosted event by UNEP FI and the IFRS Foundation during New York Climate Week will bring together practitioners from financial institutions to discuss the current state of implementation of IFRS S1 & IFRS S2. The event will address key challenges faced by financial institutions, offering actionable insights and resources to enhance their organization’s sustainability-related disclosures and overall financial sector resilience.

Access information

  • Please register for the event by using this link. 

 

About Climate Week NYC

Climate Week NYC, hosted by Climate Group, is the largest annual climate event of its kind, featuring over 600 events and activities across New York City – in person, hybrid, and online. From September 22-29, 2024, business leaders, political change makers, local decision-makers, and civil society representatives from around the world will gather to drive the transition, accelerate progress, and champion ongoing change. The event coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and is coordinated with the UN and the City of New York. Key highlights include the high-profile Opening Ceremony on September 22 and The Hub Live sessions on September 23-24, bringing together influential leaders to discuss themes such as the new industrial revolution, energy and transport transition, nature and health, and green growth. This year’s theme, “It’s Time,” emphasises the urgency of climate action and the need to overcome barriers to accelerate scalable innovation and progress.

FAQs for Climate Week 2024

Accreditation and access is on an event-by-event basis. Please click on “access info” under each event listing for information.

For further information, please contact Layalee Ramahi

Climate Week NYC 2024 will be held from September 22-29, 2024, in New York City. The event will feature a number of in-person, hybrid, and online activities.

The main themes include the New Industrial Revolution, the Energy and Transport Transition, Nature, Food Systems and Health, and Leadership and Green Growth. The overarching theme is “It’s Time,” emphasising the urgency of climate action.

UNEP FI members can participate in various events, including the Summit of the Future Action Days and the Sustainable Investment Forum North America. Information on participation and event details will be regularly updated on this UNEP FI Climate Week NYC page.

Key sessions and digital events will be available on demand for those unable to attend in person. Check the Climate Week NYC official website and UNEP FI’s page for updates on accessing these sessions.