Panel Discussion on "Sustainable Development: Investing in Nature and Sustainable Economies in the Global South"

Join us for a compelling panel discussion on "Sustainable Development: Investing in Nature and Sustainable Economies in the Global South," organized by Columbia University’s Sustainable Investing Research Initiative (SIRI), where esteemed representatives from Columbia University, BirdLife International, Alliance Bernstein, and CAF (Development Bank of Latin America) come together to address the pressing challenges posed by the biodiversity crisis, with Prof. M. Victoria Murillo, Professor of Political Science and International and Public Affairs and Director of the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS), moderating the discussion.

Recognizing the urgency to protect biodiversity for the planet's health, well-being, and economic stability, the panel will explore the significance of investing in nature as emphasized by the Glasgow Climate Pact and the recently approved Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). These international agreements call for transformative action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss within this decade.

Central to the discussion will be the Americas Flyway Initiative, a collaborative effort between BirdLife International, the National Audubon Society, and CAF. This initiative aims to combat biodiversity loss and climate change by implementing concrete, scaled-up solutions rooted in nature and local communities. The panel will shed light on the challenges faced by local partners, including communities and indigenous peoples, in their efforts to protect nature. Moreover, the discussion will delve into the implications of sustainable economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean, examining the role of public financing, particularly development finance institutions like CAF. The panel will explore the collaboration between the public and private sectors, such as debt-for-nature swaps and blended finance, which are crucial for addressing the climate and biodiversity crises and ensuring long-term sustainable development.

By bringing together experts from academia, conservation organizations, financial institutions, and development banks, this panel promises to offer invaluable insights into the intersection of nature conservation, economic growth, and societal well-being. Join us as we explore the potential for transformative action and collaborative solutions to protect biodiversity and build sustainable economies in the Global South.

Sustainable Investing Research Initiative | Website | View More Events

Contact the organizers