DIFC Launches ‘1 Million Learners’ Initiative To Enhance Sustainability Education In The Region

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has introduced the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative under its Sustainable Finance Catalyst. This programme aims to educate one million people about sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement was made at the Dubai FinTech Summit, held at Madinat Jumeirah and hosted by DIFC.

The initiative is supported by 28 founding partners from various sectors committed to promoting sustainability knowledge. These partners include AICPA & CIMA, C3, Candriam, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Clean Energy Business Council, CFA Institute, DesignThinkers Group, Dubai Business Associates, Edinburgh Business School - Heriot-Watt University, Emirates NBD, Expo City Dubai, GIST Impact, Global Capacity Building Coalition, Global Climate Finance Centre, Global Ethical Finance Initiative, Global Shapers Dubai Hub, Institute of Management Accountants, International Finance Corporation, London Stock Exchange Group, Mastercard, Oxford & Cambridge Society of the UAE, Principles for Responsible Investment, S&P Global, Stashaway, United Nations Development Programme, World Green Economy Organisation and Visa.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority stated: "DIFC is proud to be leading the way in advancing sustainability in the region. The ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative is a testament to our belief that real impact begins with education. By working closely with our valued partners, we are making sustainability knowledge more accessible and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global sustainable transformation."

DIFC's commitment to fostering a financial ecosystem that prioritises environmental and social responsibility is evident through this initiative. As economies increasingly incorporate sustainability into their growth strategies, understanding sustainable finance becomes crucial for building inclusive and resilient societies.

GIST Impact has been appointed as the impact partner for this programme. With over 17 years of experience in total impact assessment globally, GIST Impact will help evaluate the initiative’s effectiveness. Their methodologies align with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

The collaboration with GIST Impact ensures that the programme delivers measurable outcomes. Their expertise in translating social outcomes into insights will help achieve scale while providing meaningful benefits to communities.

Redefining Education Delivery

DIFC aims to transform how sustainability education is delivered on a large scale through collaboration with its partners. This effort seeks to equip a new generation of professionals with essential knowledge to drive significant change.

The partnership with GIST Impact will support DIFC in effectively communicating progress and evaluating the impact of this educational initiative. By focusing on underserved regions particularly, it aims to improve access to education and enhance equity and livelihoods.

This initiative reflects DIFC's dedication to remaining at the forefront of global sustainable transformation by making sustainability knowledge more accessible across the region.

With inputs from WAM