To kick off the COP28 programmes that will be happening at the Singapore Pavilion, the launch event will comprise a panel discussion tabled by a diverse group of speakers representing various sectors of society at COP28. The panel seeks to highlight the theme of partnerships, momentum and ambition that underline the programming of this year’s Pavilion. With the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake at COP28, panelists will also review Singapore’s progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and their roles as we approach 2030.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) involve the protection and sustainable management of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, offering cost-effective climate action by addressing the twin crises of nature loss and climate change simultaneously. However, NBS currently receives less than 3% of total climate finance, reflecting critical underfunding in this area. What are the levers to unlock private investments into NBS, and what are the types of capital needed? How can policymakers, investors, academia and project developers work in unison to create an enabling environment to de-risk NBS projects and catalyse funding to scale impact?

This panel will showcase the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum’s (ACMF) collaboration with the IFRS Foundation’s ISSB to promote consistent and comparable corporate sustainability disclosures in ASEAN, which is foundational to supporting the transition towards sustainable ASEAN capital markets. Given the existing high adoption of GRI standards in the ASEAN region, the panel will also discuss the need for interoperability between, and the complementarity of, GRI and ISSB Standards and how GRI and IFRS Foundation are working together to deliver practical guidance with ASEAN as a priority area of focus. Against this backdrop, the panel will also discuss the development of Singapore’s sustainability reporting roadmap for ISSB-aligned climate-related disclosures for companies in Singapore.

Themed Gender Inclusion and Climate Change: Advancing Equality for a Resilient Future, the summit will bring together diverse stakeholders, including researchers, activists, policymakers, and representatives from civil society organizations, to discuss the intersectionality of gender and climate change. By addressing this intersection, the summit will identify challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies to promote gender equality in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience efforts. Participants will also work together to develop actionable recommendations and initiatives that integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.

In this session, you will be hearing first-hand the reports launched from WBCSD and PwC at Singapore Pavillion:

• WBCSD’s report on Corporate Performance and Accountability System (CPAS) for Climate Action agenda, and
• PwC's report on Enabling Net Zero

The CPAS for Climate Action agenda report will offer a structured approach for businesses to set net-zero targets, develop transition plans, and provide transparent carbon performance reporting guidance. This includes target setting process, transition planning and transparent reporting.

The Enabling a Net Zero world report will explore the landscape and latest developments in renewable energy procurement and carbon offsets, and provide a guide on the use of renewable energy certificates and carbon credits. Additionally, it provides current insights within the context of Southeast Asia as well as discuss current challenges and projected developments. This is supplemented by interviews on implementation from stakeholders in the ecosystem.

Join us on these launches and also hear from our panellists which comprise the private and public sector on practical approaches towards net zero operationalisation.

With a focus on achieving a just and orderly transition within the energy sector, this agenda outlines key topics and discussions to drive the conversation forward. This agenda will spotlight the remarkable growth of renewable energy sources, highlighting the economic opportunities and challenges thev present. Experts will discuss policies and strategies to accelerate the transition to clean energy while safeguarding the livelihoods of fossil fuel workers.

Experts will dissect policy and regulatory frameworks at local, national, and international levels, highlighting best practices and areas where improvements are needed to ensure a fair transition. Experts will explore funding mechanisms and investment strategies that can accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy sources, while addressing financial concerns associated with the transition.