Sustainability is at the core of Sibos 2023. Over thirty of this year’s sessions will explore issues surrounding sustainability, diversity and inclusion and how we can #LeadTheChange as an industry.</em></p> This year’s conference programme reflects our commitment to drive positive change within the industry, providing participants with valuable insights on subjects such as empowering the financially excluded, facilitating distribution of humanitarian aid and the future of green finance. </p> Industry experts, thought leaders and researchers will give their insights on the challenges and opportunities the industry faces when it comes to sustainability and diversity. Read on for more detail on some of this year’s must-see sessions.</p> The 2+2=5 effect: Joining forces to achieve more in ESG – 13:00 EDT, Monday 18 September</a></strong></p> We can’t just donate our way out of the climate crisis. Financial institutions and corporations must work together to figure out the most effective way to make a positive difference, leveraging their capabilities, influence and assets as a force for good. Join Marie Freier of Barclays, Melissa Fifield of BMO, Jeanne Hegner from Impact Finance Center, Kalliopi Chioti from Temenos and Genevieve Piche of Wells Fargo to find out how we can multiply the impact of ESG efforts at country and global levels.</p> [Spotlight] Empowerment for the financially excluded – 13:30 EDT, Tuesday 19 September</a></strong></p> Empowering historically underserved groups is essential for economic growth, but what tools are available to achieve this? Join Kedra Newsom Reeves of BCG, Courtney Davis of Deloitte and Silvia Mensdorff-Pouilly of FIS to explore why improving financial literacy through education is so important, and the other steps we must take to create a more inclusive and prosperous society. </p> Big Issue Debate: Are financial services ready to leap into the new era of sustainable business practices? – 11:30 EDT, Wednesday 20 September</a></strong></p> Pressing environmental and social challenges are forcing change in traditional financial business models. Join Susan Yang from Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Lavinia Bauerochse of Deutsche Bank, Vivek Ramachandran of HSBC and Gopal Bhagat from the Indian Banks’ Association to discuss whether the industry is ready to take the plunge and move towards more sustainable practices. </p> It’s not easy being green: Building standards into green finance – 15:30 EDT, Wednesday 20 September</a></strong></p> This industry session will explore the need for consistent methodologies in impact investing. Marissa Adams of HSBC, Margarita Boulankova of BNP Paribas, Éliane Ubalijoro of CIFOR-ICRAF, Stephanie Gripne of Impact Finance Center and Caroline Haas of NatWest will explore how the industry can collaborate to achieve a standardised framework. </p> Helping the helpers: Overcoming friction in humanitarian aid payment flows – 10:00 EDT, Thursday 21 September</a></strong></p> As we’ve seen this year with disasters in Turkey, Syria and Libya, to name just a few, donations pour in and humanitarian aid payments start to flow across the banking system. Yet NGOs on the ground often struggle to retrieve payments promptly. In this session, Duarte Pedreira from Crown Agents Bank, John Cusack from the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council and Lit Hau Tan of Standard Chartered will explore the sources of friction, and how they can be overcome.</p> Be part of the Sibos Sustainability Pledge</strong>As well as highlighting vital ESG issues in our conference programme, we’ve launched the Sibos Sustainability Pledge</a> to encourage participants and exhibitors to #LeadTheChange.</p> To participate we’re asking you to choose at least five positive actions to undertake during Sibos week. Whether you use your free public transport pass to get around Toronto, visit the SickKids Foundation stand in the Lead the change village</a> or attend our IDEA networking event, every action counts.</p> Log in on Sibos.com or click ‘More’ in the Sibos App to make your pledge!</p> Sibos runs from 18 – 21 September, register now for your in-person or digital pass</a>. Stay up to date with the Sibos Insider newsletter </a>and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn</a>, X (formerly Twitter)</a> and Instagram</a>!</em></p>