| Carbon Markets, Climate Finance & Digital Innovation
Book Discussion: Standardising Carbon Markets — Improving Transparency & Traceability with AI, DLT and IoT
Venue: Temple Bar, Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DX
Time: 10:00 – 11:45 AM
| 09:45 – 10:00
Registration and Networking Tea / Coffee |
| 10:00 – 10:05
Welcome Remarks and Opening Introduction |
| 10:05 – 10:15
Keynote Address – Michael Mainelli, Chair of Z/Yen & President of London Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Former Lord Mayor of London 2023–2024 |
| 10:15 – 10:20
Special Remarks – Suresh Yadav, Senior Director, Climate Change and Oceans, The Commonwealth |
| 10:20 – 10:25
Special Remarks – Malini Mehra, CEO, GLOBE Legislators |
| 10:25 – 11:00
Panel Discussion: Scaling Climate Finance through Carbon Markets, Integrity and Innovation
Confirmed Panelists:
- Michael Mainelli – Former Lord Mayor of London 2023–2024
- Adrian Rimmer – Co-founder, Seafields Solutions Limited; ex LSEG, London
- Hirander Misra – Chairman & CEO, GMEX Group
- Dr Pedro Baiz – Convenor, TC 322 TAG 1 (Sustainable FinTech)
- Ieva Steponaviciute – Director and Outreach, Climate Action Data Trust
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| 11:00 – 11:10
Book Showcase: Reflections from Contributing Authors |
| 11:10 – 11:40
Presentation by TERI: ESG Academy — Building Capacity for Sustainable Finance, Corporate Sustainability and ESG Leadership |
| 11:40 – 11:45
Closing Reflections and Vote of Thanks |
| 11:45 onwards
Networking Reception |
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High-Level Roundtable on Climate Finance, ESG and Carbon Markets in the Global South
Mobilising Climate Finance and Strengthening Carbon Markets in the Global South
Venue: Marlborough House, Commonwealth Secretariat, London
Time: 10:00 – 11:50 AM
Co-Chairs: Suresh Yadav and Dr Vibha Dhawan
| 09:30
Registration |
| 10:00 – 10:10
Welcome Address by Suresh Yadav |
| 10:10 – 10:15
Opening Remarks by Tanmaya Lal, Deputy Secretary-General, The Commonwealth Secretariat (TBC) |
| 10:15 – 10:20
Remarks by Mr Arun Hemchandra MP, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Sri Lanka |
| 10:20 – 10:25
Remarks by Ms Malini Mehra, CEO, GLOBE Legislators – Driving Climate Finance and Carbon Markets Across the Global South: What Parliamentarians Should Do |
| 10:25 – 10:30
Presentation: Global State of Affairs on Carbon Markets – Dr Vibha Dhawan, TERI |
| 10:35 – 11:40
Panel: From Commitments to Capital: Mobilising Climate Finance and Carbon Markets in the Global South
Moderated by Vibha Dhawan, TERI
Confirmed speakers:
- Chitembo Kawimbe Chunga – Head of Adaptation, Climate Investment Funds (CIF)
- Graham A.N. Wright – Co-Chair and Group Managing Director
|
| 11:45 – 11:50
Closing Remarks by Suresh Yadav |
| 11:50 – 12:00
Announcement and Launch of ESG Academy by TERI |
| 12:00
Close and Tea |
| Discussion Themes
Opening Question: The Global South is increasingly expected to deliver ambitious climate outcomes while also meeting development priorities. What is the single biggest barrier preventing climate finance from reaching projects at the scale required?
Theme 1 – Climate Finance
- What practical measures are still needed to convert NDC commitments into investable opportunities?
- Where are the biggest financing gaps preventing projects from reaching financial close?
- What role should blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms play in unlocking private capital?
Theme 2 – ESG as an Enabler
- How can countries and companies use ESG to improve investor confidence and access to capital?
- How do investors distinguish between strong ESG performance and compliance-driven reporting?
Theme 3 – Carbon Markets & Article 6
What conditions are needed for countries to participate successfully in carbon markets?
- How can countries balance environmental integrity with scaling market participation?
- What support do governments require for Article 6 readiness?
Theme 4 – Building Bankable Pipelines
- What are the most common challenges in moving climate projects from concept to investment-ready?
- What support — technical, financial, or regulatory — would have the greatest impact?
Theme 5 – Global South Collaboration
- How can platforms such as the Commonwealth strengthen collaboration across countries facing similar challenges?
- Are there examples of successful South-South cooperation that could be replicated more broadly?
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