Agenda
Over the course of two rich, immersive and deeply interactive days, a world-class roster of speakers addressed the critical issues behind the growth of ESG-linked and climate financing across the Caribbean.
Over the course of two rich, immersive and deeply interactive days, a world-class roster of speakers addressed the critical issues behind the growth of ESG-linked and climate financing across the Caribbean.
Stock exchanges sit at the epicenter of the Caribbean financing ecosystem. They are uniquely placed to drive the market towards good ESG. Gathering the CEOs of three major regional exchanges, this panel will explore the extent to which exchanges view themselves as drivers of sustainable finance in the Caribbean, initiatives already underway, the challenges to adoption among their member companies, and the potential for regional collaboration to accelerate the transition.
Regional banks are increasingly espousing their commitment to sustainable lending. But what does this look like in practice? How will funds be allocated? And will they be able to make the case for ESG to their client base?
Join us for a live polling session as we gauge the key trends, drivers, and challenges to the roll-out of an ESG and climate-centric financing ecosystem across the Caribbean. A panel of experts will be on stage to discuss the implications.
Robust ESG increases top-line growth, reduces costs, optimizes investment and capital expenditures, minimizes regulatory and legal interventions, and increases employee productivity. The case is strong, but so is the lift. Gathering a cross section of regional corporate leaders, this panel will explore what initiatives are already underway, and what needs to be done to mainstream ESG across the Caribbean.
Williams Industries ground-breaking green bond program, launched in 2018, has financed the expansion of its solar energy business. This case study session will explore its green bond roadmap.
Many hospitality sector assets are at risk of being stranded in the long-term due to the impact of climate change. How does the sector pay for the resilient infrastructure needed to secure the physical assets? How do we finance the risk? Ultimately, how does the industry act now to secure the industry for tomorrow?
There is widespread concern about the availability and speed of international climate finance that countries have been able to access to accelerate climate action. This panel discussion aims to discuss the previous experience in the region on alternative approaches to climate finance through fiscal policy (e.g. carbon pricing, fuel taxes), the role of market mechanisms (carbon trading), and other instruments to promote sustainable development and green, resilient recovery. This will include a dialogue on additional advantages/benefits of these approaches beyond supporting pathways towards a low carbon and resilient future. The session will shed light on what needs to be done both at the regional and country level to develop and implement such approaches.
Key topics for discussion:
In 2021, Jamaica issued a ground-breaking catastrophe bond that will provide the island nation with protection of up to US$185 million against losses from named storms for three Atlantic tropical cyclone seasons ending in December 2023.
Structured in partnership with The World Bank and other international donors, Jamaica is the first government in the Caribbean, and the first of any small island state, to independently sponsor a cat bond.
Blended finance – the use of catalytic capital from public or philanthropic sources to increase private sector investment in sustainable development – has been the talk of the town in recent years. But even though concessional finance is abundantly available across the Caribbean, blended finance is yet to take off at scale. What’s holding it back?
Drawing on the expertise and experience of equity investors active in the Caribbean, this workshop-style session will shine a light on the potential for good ESG to translate into equity investment.
Bring your views and experience to the table as we explore the launch of a dedicated fund focused on Caribbean clean energy and climate technology. We’ll use this session to assess – with the audience – the need, the viability and next steps. The intended output? A new fund which will promote regional entrepreneurship and Caribbean leadership in this space.
Does the long-term return outweigh the requirements and the potential lift to transform company operations?
This presentation and audience Q&A will surface perceived hurdles to the adoption of ESG and explore solutions, economic viability, and the potential to transform company relationships with investors.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts and regional leaders gather at the close of the inaugural Caribbean ESG & Climate Financing Summit to explore the big picture, and specifically the financial and institutional infrastructure we need to see to make it to net zero.
The panel will also weigh the social and institutional behaviors which need to change along the way. Can we credibly frame this not just as necessity, but as opportunity, too? What is the timeline, where are the inflection points, and where do we need carrots – and where sticks – to effect change?
Drawing on polling and feedback from the audience, ultimately we will endeavor to create conference-wide consensus on next steps and on what success will look like.