Tribune News Network
doha
The Arab Banking Conference 2024 concluded successfully in Doha on Wednesday. Organised by the Union of Arab Banks under the theme “Sustainable Development Requirements & The Role of Banks,” the event highlighted the crucial role of banks and financial institutions in advancing sustainable development.
Held under the auspices of Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, the conference brought together senior banking officials, experts, and representatives from leading financial institutions worldwide. The event featured engaging discussions and in-depth working sessions focused on sustainable development in the Arab region.
The first session, “Sustainable Development Requirements and the Financing Gap in the Arab Region,” explored the challenges and priorities of development in the Arab world. Key discussions included an assessment of development financing trends, regulatory environments, government approaches to financing, and national development strategies. The session also examined enhancing public-private partnerships to foster sustainable development projects.
The second session addressed the banking sector’s role in financing sustainable development, with a focus on investment opportunities in healthcare. The discussions highlighted the importance of Islamic finance, sukuk, green bonds, social bonds, and sustainability-linked loans in achieving sustainable development goals.
On the second day, a session on financial technology advancements for sustainable finance featured Ahmed Abdulsalam Al Emadi, head of Policies and Reporting – ESG Department at the Qatar Central Bank. He showcased Qatar’s initiatives in financial technology, aligning with the country’s Third Financial Sector Strategy and Fintech Strategy. These initiatives aim to foster innovation and enhance access to financial services, supporting Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
The session also explored how financial technology can support sustainable financing, digital inclusion, and access to information for all. It discussed financial technology solutions for SMEs and entrepreneurs, emphasising the role of fintech in driving sustainable economic growth.
The fourth session focused on climate financing and environmental sustainability, addressing challenges such as climate change, renewable energy financing, and promoting green finance initiatives in the Arab region. Discussions included the integration of environmental and social (ESG) factors in investment decisions and legislation, and the role of Islamic banking in environmental sustainability.
The conference concluded with dynamic discussions and valuable exchanges of strategies for achieving growth amid regional and global challenges. Participants shared best practices for navigating rapid financial market changes and emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration among Arab financial institutions to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the conference’s organization, networking opportunities, and insights shared. They highlighted the need for continued cooperation among financial stakeholders to promote long-term sustainability and innovation in the financial and banking sectors across the Arab world.
