FORUM’S BACKGROUND:

The Arab region stands at a crossroads, facing immense challenges yet holding tremendous potential to advance sustainable development and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The economic shocks of recent years—spanning the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, rising inflation, and surging interest rates—have intensified pre-existing vulnerabilities. These include ballooning debt burdens, diminishing fiscal space, and insufficient domestic resource mobilization. As governments navigate these obstacles, the need for a collective response—spanning national, regional, and global efforts—has never been more urgent.
In this context, the private sector, particularly financial institutions, is uniquely positioned to accelerate the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, thereby playing a pivotal role in closing the financing gap and driving the transformative actions required to achieve sustainable development. Recognizing this critical need, the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), has pledged to mobilize $1 trillion in SDG financing by 2030. This commitment underscores a shared vision for fostering economic resilience, reducing inequality, and safeguarding the region’s natural and social capital.
 
To catalyze this vision, the UAB has partnered with Capital Concept to enhance ESG adoption across the Arab financial landscape. This partnership will provide vital support for developing ESG frameworks, delivering capacity-building programs, and conducting pioneering research. By aligning with international best practices and innovative solutions, Arab banks can lead the transition to a more sustainable financial ecosystem, one that promotes inclusive growth and ensures long-term economic stability.
 
The Strategic Forum on ESG & Sustainable Finance, scheduled on January 21 & 22, 2025, in Amman, Jordan, serves as a timely platform to explore and advance these priorities. Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Dr. Adel Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, this event will convene leaders from across the banking, financial, public, and regulatory sectors. Together, participants will delve into the progress made, challenges encountered, and opportunities available in embedding ESG principles and practices into core financial strategies.
 
Over the course of two days, the forum will provide avenues for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and hands-on learning. High-level discussions will illuminate regional and global sustainability initiatives, while executive management sessions will offer practical insights into tools and frameworks to accelerate ESG integration. This dual approach aims to empower stakeholders with actionable strategies to navigate their sustainability journeys effectively.
 
As the Arab region strives to fulfill its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, the significance of collective action cannot be overstated. By prioritizing ESG and sustainable finance, we not only address today’s most pressing challenges but also lay the foundation for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.
 
We invite you to join us in this transformative endeavor. Together, let us redefine the role of finance in building a more resilient and sustainable Arab world.