Agenda

Agenda

This agenda is subject to change.

11 December

2025
09:30 - 09:35 Keynote ADQ Arena

Welcome to the 8th Edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum

Join the CEO of the ADGM Authorities extend a warm welcome to the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. The 8th edition has cemented the forum as a pivotal gathering in the world of climate finance. As ADGM pursues its vision of becoming the leader in Green Finance, we take a moment to reflect on some of the initiatives and actions already underway to turn this vision into reality.

09:50 - 10:10 Fireside ADQ Arena

Sustainable Byte: Low Impact AI Infrastructure

As we enter the AI era and digital demand surges, so do its energy and resource needs. This panel explores how data centres, computing power, and AI ecosystems can be designed for minimal environmental impact, balancing sustainability and innovation in the digital age.

10:10 - 10:30 Roundtable ADQ Arena

The Global Climate Finance Architect's Board, with GCFC

A high-level boardroom session convened by the Global Climate Finance Centre, designed as a public “board meeting” with CEOs, policymakers, and global advisors. This debate will explore practical pathways to position the UAE as a global climate finance hub and unlock capital for transition projects.

Speaker
Martin Tricaud

Group Head of Wholesale Banking

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Moderator
Mercedes Vela Monserrate [Moderator]

CEO

GCFC

10:30 - 10:45 Super Fireside ADQ Arena

Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Green Capital

A dynamic look at Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global hub for climate finance and investment resilience. This session explores how forward-thinking policies, strategic investments, future-proofing and flagship projects are creating high-impact ecosystems shaping the future.

10:45 - 11:05 Super Fireside ADQ Arena

Achieving a Double Bottom Line

Few areas of finance capture the balance between purpose and performance as strongly as impact investing. From advancing global health to unlocking breakthroughs in deeptech, impact capital is reshaping how industries deliver measurable social good and generate tangible benefits for communities alongside sustainable financial returns. This fireside discussion will explore investment trends, innovation frontiers, and how purposeful capital can build more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies.

Speaker
Eugenia Unanyants-Jackson

Global Head of ESG

PGIM

Speaker
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil

Founder & Chairman

Burjeel Holdings

Moderator
David Atkin [Moderator]

CEO

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

11:05 - 11:15 Presentation ADQ Arena

Champions of the Falcon Economy

This special segment will showcase the investment thesis and growth strategies of several listed industrial champions as they shape Abu Dhabi’s economic future.

Speaker
Faisal Falaknaz

Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer

Aldar Properties

11:15 - 11:30 Panel ADQ Arena

Decoding the Banker's Sustainability Mandate

It's been a challenging year for banks navigating sustainability efforts. While some have scaled back their ambitions, many global and regional banks continue integrating ESG criteria, adopting green financing frameworks, and setting ambitious net-zero targets. This session explores how banks are adapting to these pressures while advancing the global transition to a sustainable economy.

Speaker
Esra Turk

Global Head of Sustainable Finance and ESG Solutions, Investment Bank

Deutsche Bank

Moderator
Heather Buchanan [Moderator]

CEO

Bankers for Net Zero

11:30 - 11:50 Panel ADQ Arena

Pledges to Projects: Scaling Energy Transition

This session unpacks how global climate pledges are driving capital toward electrification and renewable infrastructure globally. Join pioneering firms transform climate ambition scaling low-carbon fuel supply chains, advanced battery materials delivering high energy density, and clean energy operations that integrate sustainability across the value chain.

Speaker
Dan Cook

CEO & Co-Founder

Lyten

Speaker
Nawal Saini

Managing Partner

Brookfield Advisors India Pvt Limited

Speaker
Horst H. Mahmoudi

Chairman

Smartenergy

11:50 - 12:00 Keynote ADQ Arena

Reviving the Mammoth: The Investment Case of De‑Extinction

Join Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, for a visionary conversation on de‑extinction as a sustainability strategy. Learn how woolly mammoth proxies might restore Arctic grasslands, reverse permafrost melt, and contribute to nature-based solutions for global carbon capture.

Speaker
Ben Lamm

CEO & Co-Founder

Colossal

12:30 - 14:00 Forum ADQ Arena

2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum

09:30 - 16:30 Summit Private

GtFT - Google Finance & Technology Summit

15:30 - 19:00 Ceremony ADQ Arena

NYU Stern 2025 Graduation Ceremony

12:00 - 12:05 Welcome Emirates NBD Stage

Opening Remarks: Shaping the Future of Islamic Finance

The 2nd edition of Islamic Finance Summit will convene global leaders, regulators, and innovators to shape the future of Shariah-compliant finance. Advancing ethical growth, financial inclusion, and sustainable investment across emerging and established markets.

12:05 - 12:35 Panel Emirates NBD Stage

Standarization and Shariah Regulations: Building Trust & Projects at Scale

As Islamic finance grows globally, harmonizing regulatory and Shariah standards presents a major opportunity for innovation and cross-border collaboration. This panel highlights how central and development banks, standard-setting bodies, and Shariah boards can align frameworks to enhance investor confidence, unlock new markets, and accelerate the development of Islamic finance products.

12:35 - 13:05 Panel Emirates NBD Stage

Going Digital: Enabling Growth through Islamic Finance Innovation

Explore how digital transformation is redefining Islamic finance. This session dives into the latest trends in digital banking and assets, and how innovation is expanding access, deepening inclusion, and powering growth across the UAE and beyond.

13:05 - 13:35 Panel Emirates NBD Stage

Sukuk: Scaling the Next Trillion

The global Sukuk market is growing rapidly, projected to rise from $1.08 trillion in 2024 to $1.30 trillion in 2025. Growth is driven by innovative structures, including sustainability-linked instruments, with Southeast Asia and the Middle East leading the issuance. This session explores regional dynamics and strategies propelling Sukuk toward the next trillion-dollar milestone.

Speaker
Mustafa Adil

Head of Islamic Finance

London Stock Exchange Group

Speaker
Khurram Hilal

CEO, Group Islamic Banking

Standard Chartered Bank

13:35 - 14:05 Panel Emirates NBD Stage

Shari'ah Aligned Portfolios: Balancing Ethics & Risks

Islamic asset managers are navigating complex client demands from ethical investing, ESG overlays, and alternative asset classes. How are leading firms designing Shariah-compliant portfolios that compete globally while staying values-driven?

Speaker
Jason Barsema

Co-Founder

Halo Investing

Speaker
Mohammed Chowdhury

Chief Financial Officer

Arcapita

15:00 - 17:00 Forum Capital Boardroom

2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum; Technical Session

10:30 - 11:30 Ceremony ADCB Stage

ADGM Partners Recognition Ceremony

12:00 - 12:05 Welcome ADCB Stage

The Opening Perspective: Framing the Future of Finance

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon.

12:05 - 12:10 Keynote ADCB Stage

The Power of Balance

In a world recalibrating its values, balance is emerging as the true measure of progress. This opening keynote reflects on how inclusion, integrity and shared leadership can strengthen institutions and inspire sustainable growth across economies. When diversity is embraced with intent, the future of finance becomes wiser, fairer and more enduring.

Speaker
Linda Fitz-Alan

Registrar & Chief Executive

ADGM Courts

12:10 - 12:25 Ceremony ADCB Stage

Special Recognition Ceremony

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon.

12:25 - 13:25 Fireside ADCB Stage

Fireside Conversations: Voices of Influence

Hear from some of the most forward thinking voices today on in-depth firesides which showcase strategy and foresight across topics such as AI, e-commerce, smart cities and more.

13:25 - 13:55 Panel ADCB Stage

Sustainable Capital and Innovation in Green Finance

Sustainability is now smart economics, and the MENA region is proving it. This panel highlights how investors and institutions are coupling climate change awareness with responsible investment through green finance, blended capital, and innovative financial tools that power the transition to a low-carbon economy.

13:55 - 14:25 Panel ADCB Stage

Rethinking Investment: How Financial Literacy Can Drive More Equitable Societies

When women and girls gain access to financial education and investment opportunities, entire economies benefit. This session examines how financial inclusion amplifies women’s ability to support their families, invest in businesses, and participate fully in economic life, generating multiplier effects that advance both social and national development.

14:25 - 14:55 Panel ADCB Stage

Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation

Women at the forefront of banking, digital assets, investment, and property are not standing still, they’re setting the pace and shifting the centre of influence. This session spotlights the female leaders actively reshaping financial innovation across global markets.

14:55 - 15:00 Closing ADCB Stage

Closing Remarks

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon.

13:00 - 15:00 Roundtable Capital Boardroom

Abu Dhabi High-Level Roundtable on Climate Investment

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