A4S SUMMIT 2024

03 Jul 2024

ABOUT THE EVENT

We are currently on a trajectory towards climate breakdown and the collapse of biodiversity and nature. Although there is greater awareness, the pace of action in response is not yet reflected in the actions being taken by business, finance and governments.

During this year’s A4S Summit, which coincides with A4S’s 20th anniversary, we explore the progress made over the last two decades and look ahead to the actions we need to take to accelerate a just, net zero, nature positive future.

Click on the images to watch the sessions.

FASTTRACK TO 2050: SOLUTIONS AND STEP CHANGES – PART ONE

The session considers:

1. The Finance for the Future Awards and some of the past winners
2. How celebrating sustainable leadership and innovation can inspire, inform and drive change across the finance and accounting professions

Speakers:

• Katie Murray, Group Chief Financial Officer, NatWest Group
• Rishi Kalra, Executive Director and Group CFO, Olam Food Ingredients
• Alan Vallance, Chief Executive Officer, ICAEW

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SCIENCE: UNDERSTANDING THE ACTION IMPERATIVE

This session will:

1. Further your understanding of the scale of the crisis, exploring the trends of the past two decades, our current trajectory, and the implications of those trends for business and the economy
2. Highlight existing solutions
3. Inspire greater leadership among business and finance

Speakers:

• Emily Shuckburgh, Director, Cambridge Zero
• Tim Lenton, Professor of Earth System Science, University of Exeter

INSPIRING CHANGE: MOBILIZING ACTION

This session explores the challenges faced in responding to the climate crisis and how we can communicate more effectively to mobilize action at pace and scale.

Speaker:

• Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist, The Nature Conservancy

FINANCING THE FUTURE: BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS

This session covers:

1. The evolution of reporting and assurance from both an investment and pensions perspective
2. The role of data and information in reporting and disclosure
3. The role of capital markets and investment in driving sustainable outcomes

Speakers:

• Sarah Youngwood, Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, Nasdaq
• Russell Picot, Chair, HSBC Bank (UK) Pension Trust

FASTTRACK TO 2050: SOLUTIONS AND STEP CHANGES – PART TWO

This fireside chat leverages the insights of industry leaders with extensive board and audit committee experience, discussing key challenges companies are facing, including:

1. Diversity, equity and inclusion;
2. Environmental issues such as climate change;
3. The global shift towards stronger mandatory reporting and assurance requirements

Speakers:

• Robin L. Washington, Board Member, Alphabet Inc
• Mark Hawkins, Board Member, Workday

This article was first published by A4S at the following URL: https://www.accountingforsustainability.org/en/knowledge-hub/videos/a4s-summit-2024.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=A4S%20Newsletter%20August%2024&utm_content=A4S%20Newsletter%20August%2024+CID_ea7f3f7f7caf9c5281a552a33ee8864b&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=A4S%20Summit%20on%20demand