On November 26, 2024, the Dublin Early Career Committee hosted a pivotal event during Sustainable Finance Week Ireland: “Advancing Gender & Social Equality through Sustainable Finance.” This gathering, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gender Charter, convened thought leaders to explore the intersection of gender and social finance in driving sustainable economic growth.
The event opened with introductory remarks from Aisling McCaffrey, Sustainability Advisory Director at Grant Thornton and co-chair of 100WF Early Career Committee. Aisling highlighted the transformative potential of gender finance and its role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable financial sector. Delfina Monteverdi then provided an update on the UNDP F4CS Gender Charter, spotlighting global initiatives promoting gender equality ahead of the panel discussion.
Moderated by Aisling the panel discussion featured distinguished speakers:
- Zara Hussey: Director of International Relations at Climate Cardinals and Ireland Ambassador for SHE Changes Climate.
- Andrew Bowley: International Head of Sustainability at Wells Fargo.
- Joanna Thompson de Colonges: Co-Founder and Emeritus Chair of 100 Women in Finance Paris; Co-Founder and Advisor of 100 Women in Finance Dublin.
- Sarah Thompson: Financial Services Regulatory Partner and Head of the ESG Group at Arthur Cox.
- Cathy Bryce: Managing Director of Capital Markets at AIB and President of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI).
The panel delved into several key topics:
- Intersection of Gender and Social Ambitions in Global Finance: Andrew Bowley discussed how integrating gender and social goals is reshaping the financial industry, citing the Japanese financial sector as an example.
- Promoting Gender Equality through Climate Initiatives: Zara Hussey shared insights from her work with SHE Changes Climate, emphasizing the importance of female representation in environmental decision-making, particularly in the lead-up to COP29.
- Advancing Gender Inclusivity in Financial Institutions: Sarah Thompson addressed legal barriers hindering gender equality in finance and highlighted regulatory changes driving inclusivity, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and gender pay gap reporting.
- Leadership’s Role in Fostering Inclusivity: Cathy Bryce underscored the critical importance of gender diversity in finance and leadership, sharing initiatives from AIB aimed at promoting gender equality, including mentorship programs and commitments to the Women in Finance Charter.
- Strategies for Promoting Gender Equity Across Financial Hubs: Joanna Thompson de Colonges offered effective strategies for advancing gender equity in various financial centers, drawing from her experience establishing 100 Women in Finance in Paris and Dublin.
Key Quotes from the Event:
- “Integrating gender and social ambitions is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity in today’s global finance landscape.” — Andrew Bowley
- “Empowering women in environmental sectors leads to more comprehensive and effective climate solutions.” — Zara Hussey
- “Regulatory frameworks like the CSRD are pivotal in driving gender inclusivity within financial institutions.” — Sarah Thompson
- “Gender diversity in leadership is essential for the future success of the financial sector.” — Cathy Bryce
- “Promoting gender equity across financial hubs requires tailored strategies that consider local cultures and industry dynamics.” — Joanna Thompson de Colonges
The event concluded with a presentation by Rory from Chronos Sustainability on their upcoming Social Finance Report commissioned by IFSCOE.
This gathering underscored the vital role of gender and social finance in achieving sustainable economic growth. The collaborative efforts of industry leaders, policymakers, organizations like 100 Women in Finance and initiatives such as the UNDP FC4S Gender Charter are instrumental in driving this progress.
For a more in-depth understanding and to hear directly from the speakers, you can watch the full event recording here:
https://youtu.be/e1pdnyx7mDg?si=1hj8jam58GRUqaFk
Thank you to all of our speakers, IFSCOE for their support and the Dublin committee for contributing to the success of the event.
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To learn more about 100WF in Ireland please contact the Dublin Committee.