LIBF was proud to participate in GITEX Impact, the MENA region’s premier climate-tech and ESG gathering, held from 13-16 October 2024 at Dubai Harbour. Inspired by GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech and startup event, GITEX Impact isn't just about dialogue — it's about igniting transformation. At this event, green tech innovations took centre stage, bold ideas transformed into actionable initiatives, and every connection made sparked potential impact. Engaging with innovators, eco-pioneers, and policymakers, LIBF underscored its commitment to fostering a sustainable future, aligning with our educational mission and focus.
Green Bonds: Catalysing Climate Tech Investments
In the panel discussion on "Green Bonds: Catalysing Climate Tech Investments," Vera Spender Koubek, Faculty Member at LIBF, was joined by other leading experts such as Aldo Romani from the European Investment Bank, Lamia Hariz from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Venty Mulani from Bloomberg LP, and Elvina Garayeva, Debt Director EECA Region at Incofin Investment Management. The panel explored innovative funding models, the role of green sukuk in Middle Eastern sustainable issuances, and the challenges posed by data deficits in sustainable finance. The discussion emphasised the importance of regulation for transparency and highlighted the critical need for upskilling to manage complex financial instruments, leveraging regulations to stimulate impactful investments in climate technologies.
The Climate Capital Stack: Structuring Investments for Maximum Impact
Vera Spender Koubek from LIBF moderated the panel "The Climate Capital Stack: Structuring Investments for Maximum Impact," engaging thought leaders like Tien Nguyen (founder of Earth Venture Capital,Vietnam), Jamil Wyne (co-founder, Riffle Ventures), and Pratap Raju (founding partner, Climate Collective). This session examined strategies for balancing long-term decarbonisation goals with investors’ shorter-term expectations,highlighting the indispensable role of grassroots change. The focus was on the investment ecosystem's interconnectedness, advocating for prioritising a holistic understanding over purely technical skills to prevent inefficiencies and greenwashing.
Circular Economy: Separating Greenwashing from Game-Changing Potential
In the panel on "Circular Economy: Separating Greenwashingfrom Game-Changing Potential," key insights were shared by Vera Spender Koubek from LIBF, Heather Buchanan, CEO of Bankers for Net Zero, and Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member and Advisor to the Group Chairman of Alserkal Group, along with other expert participants. The discussion focused on the critical need for designing products with true circularity in mind and redefining waste as avaluable resource. The panel underscored the importance of ethical practices across supply chains and the pivotal role of education in fostering a sustainable mindset. Highlighting the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy as a key framework, the discussion called for evolving measurement systems to genuinely align with circular economy principles, ensuring robust sustainability practices across sectors.
About LIBF
Since its foundation in 1879, LIBF has been at the forefront of providing world-class education and training. Today, our qualifications equip students round the world with the skills they need for successful careers. It is one of only a few professional bodies in the world to have Taught Degree Awarding Powers and is an innovator in distance learning and online degrees.
With a focus on vocational training, LIBF delivers a broad range of qualifications and programmes to support individuals at each stage of their careers – from entry-level to advanced professional qualifications. Since 2023, LIBF has been part of IU Group, Europe’s largest edtech company and proprietor of Germany’s largest university, IU International University of Applied Science, as well as the University of Fredericton in Canada. Further information at: www.libf.ac.uk
