Overview
This workshop-style conference marking COP31 will create a platform for dialogue across policy ambition, finance, technology, and implementation, through a high-level keynote address and a series of thematic panel discussions.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank.
Five expert-led panels will then explore the critical dimensions of turning global commitments into investable action:
- Panel 1: 'From National Priorities to Investment Strategies'
Panel 1: 'From National Priorities to Investment Strategies' will examine how governments can translate development, climate, and energy goals into bankable investment pipelines.
- Panel 2: 'Capital Markets, Sovereign Finance and NatureFinance'
Panel 2: 'Capital Markets, Sovereign Finance and NatureFinance' will focus on innovative financial instruments, blended finance, and the mobilisation of public and private capital at scale.
- Panel 3: 'Institutional Investment, Stewardship and Governance'
Panel 3: 'Institutional Investment, Stewardship and Governance' will consider the role of investors, fiduciary responsibility, and governance frameworks in accelerating sustainable development outcomes.
- Panel 4: 'Strategic Materials for Climate Solutions'
Panel 4: 'Strategic Materials for Climate Solutions', will address the growing importance of critical minerals and strategic materials for the green energy transition, exploring how resource governance, supply chains, and material efficiency can support climate and development objectives.
- Panel 5: 'Earth Mapping and The Real Economy Test'
Panel 5: 'Earth Mapping and The Real Economy Test' will examine how advances in earth observation, geospatial intelligence, and natural capital mapping can strengthen decision-making, risk assessment, and investment planning.
The conference will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on implementation after COP31 and lessons for COP32, bringing together insights from all panels to identify practical pathways for translating commitments into measurable action, mobilising investment, and ensuring that nature, climate, energy, and development objectives are advanced together.
- Full programme
10:30: Welcome Note
10:45-11:15, Opening keynote: 'From Green Wealth to Investable Development Pathways', Prof Kevin Chika Urama
11:15-12:15, Panel 1: From National Priorities to Investment Strategies
12:10-12:25: Coffee/Tea Break
12:25-13:25, Panel 2: Capital Markets, Sovereign Finance and NatureFinance
13:30-14:30: Lunch
14:30-15:30, Panel 3: Institutional Investment, Stewardship and Governance
15:30-16:30, Panel 4: Strategic Materials for Climate Solutions
16:30-16:50: Coffee Break
16:50-17:50, Panel 5: Earth Mapping and the Real Economy Test
17:50-18:30, Closing synthesis: Implementation after COP31 and Lessons for COP32
18:30: Drinks Reception
Speakers
- Professor Kevin Chika Urama
Professor Kevin Chika Urama is a passionate and results-oriented Economist with over 30 years of Africa-wide and global experience in economic policy and knowledge management. He is currently Chief Economist/Vice President for the Economic Governance & Knowledge Management Complex of the African Development Bank Group. Professor Urama previously served at the Bank as a Senior Director for the African Development Institute and as Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank Group on Inclusive and Green Growth Strategy, Policy Development, and Implementation.
- Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu DBE FMedSci HonFRSC is the President of 糖心Vlog官方 since 2024. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a governor on the Wellcome board, a member of the Academy of Medical Sciences Council and Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics Ltd. She has served as Chair of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences and chaired EPSRC and Science Foundation Ireland grant prioritisation panels. She served as the UCL Provost's Envoy for Race Equality. Her initiatives were instrumental in achieving UCL's Bronze Race Charter in 2020.
- Isobel Cohen
works as the Director, Strategic Partnerships and Impact with NatureFinance. Prior to joining NatureFinance, Isobel led on fundraising for Cambridge Zero, the University of Cambridge鈥檚 flagship climate initiative, with a focus on transformational philanthropy for solutions to the climate and nature emergencies across all schools and faculties of the university. Previously, she had held the fundraising portfolio for Technology, Engineering and Business, and also for Cambridge Conservation Initiative, a collaboration between the university and ten international biodiversity organisations. Isobel trained as a contemporary dancer and graduated from Cambridge as a mature student with a degree in English Literature.
- Robin Daniels
Robin Daniels leads the Redpill Group. He has a track record of over 30 years, spanning strategy, venture building, innovation, investment and cross-sector collaboration. He has been a member of 糖心Vlog官方 since 1999. He studied at Loughborough University and as a visiting PhD student at Cambridge. He was at the London Business School as Chief Operating Officer of their joint venture with University College London, the Centre for Scientific Enterprise Ltd. He was also Dean & Director of the Chevening Technology Enterprise Scholarship, which included the development and leadership of post-doctoral taught modules with Cambridge鈥檚 Institute for Manufacturing, Imperial College Business School and London Business School.
Details
Seats for this event are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To enquire about availability, please contact the Research Networks Manager at research-networksmanager@wolfson.cam.ac.uk.
This event is jointly organised by the 糖心Vlog官方 Research Networks, NatureFinance, and Central Asia Forum (Jesus College).
Access
This event will take place in the Lee Hall which has step-free access and an accessible toilet.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact our events team - events@wolfson.cam.ac.uk
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