EMEA has begun its participation at COP28 in Dubai, UAE, the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with Prof. Rym Ayadi, President and Founder, and Sara Ronco, Researcher, and Dr. Harris Eyre, EMEA Advisor, intervening in a number of panels focusing on climate finance, the just transition, and brain capital. .
Day 1- 30th November – Finance and a Sustainable Future
Prof. Ayadi first spoke at the event “Finance, Sustainability and Climate Change” which was co-organsed by IPCC, World Meteorological Organization, Philanthropy Cortés Solari, MERI Foundation, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, and Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco on the 30th November.
In her speech, Prof. Ayadi highlighted that “Finance must become the engine that can drive us towards a sustainable future. By carefully allocating resources into green innovation, clean energy, and sustainable practices, it has the power to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to pave the way for a resilient, environmentally-conscious economy. In harnessing the potential of finance, we unlock the doors to a greener world”.
The panel included Nathalie Hilmi, Section Head of Environmental Economics, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, EMEA Advisor, Ekkehard Ernst – GemLabs and Chief Macroeconomist at the International Labour Organization, EMEA Advisor, Patricia Morales Errázuriz CEO Philanthropy Cortés Solari, Torsten Thiele, Global Ocean Trust, EMEA Advisor, and it was moderated by Agustina Lo Bianco, Philanthropy Cortés Solari.
Day 2 – 1st December – Finance and Circular Action
On the second day, Prof. Ayadi intervened as a panellist in the event Circular Thinking for Climate Action: The Synergy of Circular Economy and Climate Change Mitigation, organised by EMEA partner MedWaves, Generalitat de Catalunya and UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention. The event, moderated by Alessandro Miraglia, Medwaves Team Leader, highlighted how shifting towards circular, low-carbon and climate targets-compatible business models can have a far-reaching impact, if properly integrated in current climate policies.
Prof. Ayadi underlined that “Finance can become a catalyst in scaling up circular and regenerative economy practices. By providing the necessary capital, developing innovative financial products, and fostering public-private partnerships, the financial sector can significantly accelerate the transition towards a global circular and regenerative economy, contributing to the achievement of climate goals.”
Following that, the focus switched back to finance in the event organised by Centre Scientifique de Monaco in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) pavilion: “Is finance the point of convergence of the scientific and socio-economic aspects of marine nature-based solutions?”
From Prof. Ayadi’s intervention, it became clear that “Finance should become a bridge to convert scientific insights and sociological viewpoints into actionable, financially sound strategies for the preservation and rejuvenation of marine habitats to halt the loss of biodiversity. This can harness the strength of natural capital, acknowledging and appreciating the essential part played by marine ecosystems in upholding our economic and social prosperity.”
Day 3 – 2nd December – Healthy Cities and Urban Resilience
Moving to Day 3, Prof Ayadi participated in the event “Healthy Cities, Climate Finance & Resilience” with Dr. Harris Eyre, EMEA Advisor, which took place in the Women’s Pavilion GGWoA, moderated by Gareth Presch, CEO, World Health Innovation Summit CIC Summit. The panel discussed on how we can address climate action and, at the same time, improve our health and wellbeing, strengthen health systems, create new and meaningful jobs while implementing the sustainable development goals.
“Investing in urban health, particularly brain health and creativity” Prof. Ayadi highlighted, “is not just a societal imperative but an economic strategy. When we nurture the mental well-being and creative capacities of our urban populations, we are not only enhancing individual lives and flourishing but are also fueling the engines of economic resilience and innovation. Such investment, especially when supported by strategic financing from sectors like insurance and pension funds, lays the foundation for a more robust, vibrant, and prosperous society.”
Day 4 – 3rd December – Brain Capital and the Circular Economy in Construction
Day 4 presented EMEA’s commitment to Brain Capital and how it can be integrated into the SDG and post SDG agenda. The side event titled “Brain Capital: Vital to the SDG and Post-SDG Agenda” and moderated by Prof. Aaydi, was held in the Mediterranean Coalition Office, of which EMEA is a key partner. The panellists included key experts:
- Dr. Harris Eyre MD PhD, MD PhD, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, EMEA Advisor
- Gareth Presch, CEO, World Health Innovation Summit CIC
- Nathalie Hilmi, Section Head of Environmental Economics, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, EMEA Advisor
- Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director, The Net-Zero Compatibility Initiative, Mission Innovation
- Grammenos Mastrojeni – Senior Deputy Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean
Closing the conversation, Prof. Ayadi highlighted that “Brain capital, with its focus on enhancing brain health and cognitive skills, emerges as a cornerstone for the post-SDG agenda. It represents not just a health or education priority, but a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. By investing in brain capital, we invest in the very foundation of human potential, unlocking a future where economic growth, social equity, and resilience are not just aspirational goals but achievable realities.” The event is available to watch back at our YouTube here.
EMEA Researcher, Sara Ronco participated at the side event “The Circular Economy and the Example of How the Construction Sector Entered Into Green Era by Applying the Principles of Circular Economy” organised by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. The objective of the event, moderated by Vincent Ernoux was to disseminate the results of the RE-MED project on circular economy applied to the construction sector.
In her intervention, Sara discussed the opportunities and challenges of the circular economy and how going beyond circularity is needed. We must think about regenerative models where circularity is one key elements to integrate the environmental and social dimensions whilst focusing on biodiversity protection and empowering vulnerable populations. “It is time to go from weak sustainability to strong sustainability” she highlighted.
Also on the 3rd, EMEA President Prof Rym Ayadi and EMEA Advisors Harris Eyre Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and Paweł Świeboda, NeuroCentury, participated in the COP28 side event “Brain and Mind Science: A fundamental part for a future where 11 billion people can live flourishing lives” which took place in the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub Pavilion and it was moderated by Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director, The Net-Zero Compatibility Initiative.
Prof Ayadi underlined “Brain capital, with its dual emphasis on enhancing brain health and fostering brain skills, stands as a foundational pillar for a well-being economy. By nurturing mental wellness and cognitive abilities, we cultivate a society that thrives on innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, propelling economic growth, social harmony, and flourishing. This holistic approach not only elevates individual potential but also ensures a sustainable and equitable future for all.”
Massamba Thioye, Project Executive UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at UN Climate Change Secretariat opened and closed the event.
The event is available to watch back here.
EMEA is at COP until the 10 December. Stay tuned for more of our participation.
