Countdown to COP26 Festival: Flagship July events to focus on crucial themes of climate talks

edie has today (26 May) officially unveiled the content programmes and initial speaker line-ups for the next two events to be delivered under the Countdown to COP26 Festival programme - covering the key COP themes of net-zero carbon energy, clean transport and climate finance.


Countdown to COP26 Festival: Flagship July events to focus on crucial themes of climate talks

The two upcoming events form an integral part of the six-month Festival

Hot off the heels of a hugely successful eponymous virtual event held last week (20 May), the Countdown to COP26 Festival will deliver up the Sustainable Investment Conference on 13-14 July, followed by the Clean Energy & Transport Forum on 15 July.

The two upcoming events form an integral part of the six-month Festival, which is uniting thousands of business leaders, sustainability and energy professionals, policymakers, academics and green groups in the run-up to the COP26 climate talks.

Sustainable Investment Conference

Taking place on 12-13 of July 2021, this virtual mega-event will bring together key stakeholders from across the institutional investment community – including corporates, asset owners, regulators and policymakers – for an immersive two-day experience.

The 2021 programme builds on the success of last year’s conference with an enhanced focus on the climate finance opportunities of COP26 along with the latest ESG developments. The event will feature a combination of strategic guidance and practical insights – from high-level panel discussions about the “new normal of climate finance” and never-before-heard insights into the green bonds market, through to best-practice case studies on TCFD implementation and a climate risk workshop.

Speakers confirmed so far include Aviva Investors’ chief responsible investment officer Steve Waygood; FAIRR Initiative’s director of research & engagements Aarti Ramachandran; Former MP and current Managing Director & Head of EMEA ESG at JP Morgan, Chuka Umunna; and Rolls-Royce’s head of sustainability Rachel Everard.

VIEW THE FULL SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT CONFERENCE AGENDA AND REGISTER HERE.

Clean Energy & Transport Forum

Taking place on Thursday 15 July, this brand-new event will connect energy and sustainability leaders from all major industries with policymakers, industry bodies, NGOs and net-zero carbon experts, to discuss what it will take to fully decarbonise our energy and transport systems.  

The full-day event will include high-level keynote talks about how governments and businesses can advance the transition to clean power and zero-emission mobility; interactive panel discussions focused on the opportunities presented by COP26 to accelerate change in these areas; and a choice of expertly facilitated workshops to spark new business ideas and actions on the road to net-zero.

Speakers confirmed so far include Transport Minister Rachel Maclean MP, Energy Institute chief executive Nick Wayth, The Climate Group chief executive Helen Clarkson, and Innovate UK’s senior innovation lead for energy Harsh Pershad.

VIEW THE FULL CLEAN ENERGY & TRANSPORT FORUM AGENDA AND REGISTER HERE.

Commenting on the launch of the two events, edie’s content director Luke Nicholls said: “As the world emerges from the shadow of Covid-19, governments, businesses and investors are re-focusing on the most urgent global challenge of our time: the escalating climate crisis. The need to decarbonise our energy and transport systems has never been greater, and the investment community must enact an ambitious green recovery plan to support this net-zero transition.

“Our two July events will unite business leaders, policymakers, investors, and civil society – they are a must-attend for the sustainability and energy changemakers who are working to lay the foundations for a successful climate summit in November.”

Countdown to COP26 Festival

Supported by headline partner O2, the Countdown to COP26 Festival kicked off last week with a successful first event which took an overarching look at what a successful climate summit looks like.

The event – which is now available to watch back on-demand – incorporated high-level keynote talks about how governments and businesses can elevate their climate ambition, action and advocacy; interactive panel discussions focused on key COP26 themes across energy, transportation and land use.

The Festival events programme will be supported by a plethora of articles, interviews, blogs, reports and guides delivered by edie’s award-winning editorial team.

Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date with the latest COP26 news, and click here to view edie’s full Countdown to COP26 Festival line-up.

edie staff

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe