Advancing Sustainable Investment: A Canada-France Dialogue

Driving Sustainable Investment
A Canada and France Dialogue

Join leading experts, policymakers, and business leaders at ESCP Business School for an in-depth discussion on sustainable investment and international collaboration. Convened by ESCP’s Global Executive PhD Programme, the Associate Dean of Sustainability, and the Embassy of Canada to France, this event will showcase Canada’s pioneering sustainability initiatives, including the $755 million Social Finance Fund, and explore their relevance to France and beyond.

The event features keynote speeches, venture showcases, and expert panel discussions, culminating in an exclusive networking session.

Programme

Opening Session: The Role of Education in Global Sustainability 

The event will commence with an Opening Session designed to underscore the pivotal role of education in promoting international collaboration for sustainability. Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, will deliver the welcome address, sharing his insights on how academic institutions can serve as catalysts for global partnerships in sustainable development.

Global Trends in Sustainable Finance 

Following the welcome address, the Keynote Speech will be presented by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Canada's Ambassador to France and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe. Ambassador Dion will highlight Canada's leading sustainability initiatives. His extensive experience in environmental policy, including his tenure as Canada's Minister of the Environment and chairing the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP11/MOP1) in 2005, positions him as a prominent voice in the discourse on sustainable finance and international cooperation.

Speaker: Hon. Stéphane Dion, Canadian Ambassador to France and Special Envoy to the EU
Topic: Canada’s leading sustainability initiatives and the Social Finance Fund as a model for global inspiration.

The Social Finance Fund: A Model for Global Sustainable Investment 

Following the keynote addresses, a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Gorgi Krlev, ESCP's Associate Dean of Sustainability, will delve into global trends in sustainable finance.

The event will continue with an Impulse Session led by Krisztina Tora, Managing Director of GSG Impact. She will delve into key global trends in sustainable finance and discuss the significance of Canada’s $755 million Social Finance Fund, highlighting its role in driving social and environmental change.

Following this, the Showcases segment will offer a closer look at groundbreaking sustainability initiatives. First, the spotlight will be on Canada, featuring a presentation from a company in the sustainability sector. Next, the focus will shift to France, with a presentation to be confirmed soon. The session will highlight how similar financial initiatives could be leveraged to benefit France’s sustainable investment landscape.

Showcases and discussion: Sustainability initiatives in Canada and France 

The following roundtable discussion will be focusing on reactions to the showcases and exploring the future of sustainable investment and bilateral collaboration. Esteemed panelists include Stéphane Villemain, Vice President at CDPQ Paris (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec); Stephen Laviers, Investment and Asset Manager at EIT InnoEnergy; and Emma Scribe, Director of Major Investors at Team for the Planet. Their diverse expertise will provide valuable perspectives on advancing sustainable finance initiatives across borders.

In addition, the session Bridging Research, Education, and Collaboration will feature speakers Phil Glynn (Global Executive PhD) and Irina Paes (EMBA). They will discuss how ESCP’s research initiatives can amplify the impact of sustainability projects, highlighting the critical role of academic institutions in fostering practical solutions to environmental challenges.

This event promises to be an enriching experience for professionals, academics, and students passionate about driving sustainable change through informed investment and collaborative efforts.

Lastly, closing remarks will be led by Véronique Tran, Executive Vice-President of ESCP

Networking Cocktail (By Invitation Only)

An opportunity to connect with business leaders, policymakers, academics, and sustainability innovators.

Monday, 17 March 2025 | 18:00 PM (CET) Registration