Sustainability is a megatrend of our times which is set to split the world into countries, industries and companies that are aligned on the direction of change, rise to lead that change and those that do not adapt. This important session considers the profound nature of the change and the implications for leaders, with speakers drawing on the latest engagements with successful institutions that are managing this transition.

Japan is the third largest economy in the world and ranks third globally in national net wealth and fourth in global trade. As a major financial power, it is home to four of the world’s 20 largest banks, and the world’s second most valuable equity market. Having pledged its commitment to “Beyond Zero” and decarbonization, Japan is a key ally of the world in the global transition to a more sustainable information age.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) face a financing gap that has soared to up to US$100 trillion in the wake of COVID-19 and other urgent global challenges. The SDGs are critical targets adopted by all UN member states and span every aspect of sustainability, including the environment, education, equality, health, and governance.

Sustainable and responsible investing is a now a mega trend and a necessity too. The 2021 Capital as a Force for Good report, produced in support of the United Nations agenda for sustainable development, working with UNCTAD’s Chief of the New York Office, shows that the world’s leading financial institutions have significantly increased sustainable development funding, committing US$9.5 trillion until 2030 and deploying a record US$2.1 trillion in 2020. US$88 trillion in managed or owned assets are now committed to net zero, while 20% of total assets or US$33 trillion now actively incorporate ESG into investment decision-making. Further the most ambitious leaders are breaking new ground in the scope and scale of their commitments to be a force for good in the world.

The findings have important implications for countries and their leaders as well as the finance industry and its many participants. The Force for Good study also showed there is a correlation between shareholder returns whereby leading institutions on average outperform the market average by c5.7 times. The finance industry is set to split into those that are rising to the new model of finance and those that are left behind in an older less sustainable positions, as will countries and industries.

This webinar co-hosted by Force for Good and the government of Japan covers these important topics and includes opening remarks by Mr Ken Shibusawa (CEO, Shibusawa and Company, Inc.) and Mr. Ketan Patel (Chairman, Force for Good; CEO Greater Pacific Capital) who briefly summarizes the Capital as Force for Good Initiative and the key findings of the 2021 report, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Mr Ren Ito, Senior Fellow at NYU School of Law, with participation by Chantel Line Carpentier, Chief, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) New York office of the Secretary-General

Time and Date: 21st October 2021, 8:00-9:00 ET, 13.00-14.00 BST, 21:00-22:00 JST

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