This year’s COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, draws together world leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and environmental activists to exchange ideas and formulate strategies to tackle climate change. And KPMG will be at the center of the action, monitoring developments and generating regular insights and status updates.
Key themes this year include the energy transition, accelerating innovation, and the nexus of climate and nature.
KPMG’s COP28 Resource Center helps businesses better understand their nature- and climate-related risks and learn about cutting-edge sustainable practices and technologies that can increase environmental efficiency. With sustainability reporting going mainstream, we’ll also keep you informed of the latest developments on frameworks, regulations and standards.
Every business has a part to play in reversing the catastrophic impacts of climate change, and we want to help with this critical endeavor in any way we can.
Agenda
December 2: World Climate Action Summit
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. GST | Climate Smart Agriculture – Speed, scale, and innovation towards solving food and climate crisis together
In an era of an ever-growing world’s population, changing diets, and rising global temperature, the need for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices has never been more urgent. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges by simultaneously increasing agricultural productivity, building resilience to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture sector contributes to approximately 17% of the greenhouse gas emissions globally. At the same time, agriculture sector is directly facing the brunt of climate change with extreme events raising the global food security concerns. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is seen as a great approach to increase productivity, enhance resilience and reduce field emissions.
KPMG International will host this session to highlight emerging science and innovations towards scaling up CSA interventions. The panel will involve representatives from research institutions, FMCG companies, civil society groups, etc. and deliberate over appropriate policies, institutions, and funding required to bring novel interventions from lab to fields. Knowledge sharing between countries can shed light on flexible and innovative ways to achieve climate resilient agriculture.
Location: RCREE Pavilion
December 3: Health / Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. GST | Developing a scalable and transferable pipeline of investable projects
The Net Zero Urban Program (NZUP) and the Mission Innovation Urban Transitions Mission (UTM) together aim to explore accelerating and scaling investable urban business and value cases, that answer to the challenges that cities, (sub)national, and national governments are facing when implementing their 1.5 degree pathways and Nationally Determined Contributions.
This round table event aims to inspire both the NZUP and UTM community with already available and scaleable innovative approaches in technology, resilience, governance, finance, investment and society in an integrated, accessible and holistic manner. The session aims to bring together urban challenge owners with solution providers from public, private, finance, and investment community to break down barriers on scaling urban investments and solutions. The roundtable offers an opportunity for actors to come together, network and meet in a small-scale setting to help ensure dialogue and joint approaches to design replicable solutions that can help cities worldwide and open up new markets and value chains.
For this event we are looking to gather complementary actors in the urban public-private ecosystem that share a long-term whole-system vision on linked solutions and blended finance constructions.
Location: RCREE Pavilion
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Transition finance as a vehicle for credible transition plans roundtable
Delivering a net zero world requires up to $250t of capital to be channelled into the low carbon economy by 2050. Whilst ‘green’ finance principles are becoming better understood, ‘transition finance’ is still emerging. Standardization is key to unlocking capital and the immense opportunity in financing opportunities that enable the transition or assets with a credible transition plan. At this roundtable, participants from Asset Owners, Asset Managers, Banks and Standard Setters will discuss: How they are thinking about defining ‘transition finance’ within their organization, what is missing to provide confidence to the market in deploying ‘transition finance’; and how they are assessing the credibility of transition plans in their activities.
Location: Renewable Energy Action (REA) Pavilion, Opportunity District, Thematic Arena 3 (Blue Zone)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Solutioning digital and green inclusion for SMEs globally and in the lower gulf
Join KPMG International to discuss the viability of deploying and scaling global technology solutions to leapfrog sustainability reporting and financing for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) across the globe. A case in point being Greenprint, a recently launched platform by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) , with ambitions to be the regional SME reporting and data aggregator solution for Southeast Asia. Join this audience interactive session with the MAS, Microsoft and other Greenprint partners, to discuss the structural and implementation challenges of transposing solutions from one region to another, using SMEs in the lower gulf as a topical focus.
Location: Digital Innovation Pavilion (Blue Zone)
The business case for change – how to create value through climate and nature, co-hosted with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
As the global economy continues to teeter, many organizations have an ambition to change and see the need for action. But connecting sustainability to a tangible business case can be challenging. KPMG International and the WBCSD have developed a ‘how to’ guide on creating the business case for sustainable change. In this session, KPMG International and WBCSD will present the principles of their approach and how companies can redirect the narrative on action on climate and nature. This short presentation will be followed by a panel discussion where major companies will share their stories of creating value via action on decarbonization and nature.
Location: Shared Presentation Hub (Blue Zone) & Livestreamed
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | GST | Blue Zone | Carbon Insurance and dMRV: Managing Risk and Enhancing Transparency in the VCM
A fundamental issue that plagues voluntary carbon markets today is the lack of transparency and related trust in carbon credits. Digital measurement, reporting and verification technologies (dMRV) can build shared confidence across project developers, buyers, sellers, lenders, investors and intermediaries in the true environmental impact of carbon claims. These actors are also exposed to a myriad of risks that can affect project attractiveness and bankability. These include potential physical losses to carbon offset generating assets, environmental liabilities associated with project implementation, political and regulatory risks, and underperformance in / non-delivery of expected carbon emission reductions / removals.
Combining dMRV technologies with carbon insurance covers offers a potential means to support quality and high-integrity voluntary carbon markets and net zero targets. This industry panel will share perspectives about how dMRV and insurance together support the life cycle journey of the generation, monitoring, verification, insuring, and ultimate purchase and retirement of a high integrity carbon credit.
Location: Digital Innovation Pavilion (Blue Zone)
December 4: Finance / Trade / Gender Equality / Accountability Day
Digital transformation and decentralized climate data infrastructure
Join KPMG International in a dialogue about the next generation of global digital infrastructures for carbon and nature finance. This conversation will delve into governance, accountability, and proactive measures. Explore the ways in which digital transformation, digital carbon and nature assets, and decentralized digital infrastructures are revolutionizing the measurement, sharing, connection, harmonization, and security of climate action data.
Location: Digital Innovation Pavilion (Blue Zone)
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Striving to ensuring resilience in renewable energy infrastructure, co-hosted with the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI)
Renewable energy infrastructure sits at the nexus of climate mitigation and adaptation. Join KPMG International and the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) for a comprehensive dialogue on the significance of resilience in clean and renewable energy infrastructure and systems. During this industry panel, specialists will explore financing, investment, and technical challenges, as well as innovations at both the asset and system-wide infrastructure levels.
Location: Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. GST | Green transition for the cement industry
Cement industry plays a vital role in global infrastructure, with concrete ranking the second most widely used material on earth, right after water. However, cement industry grapples with critical challenges towards decarbonization as it forms the main ingredient where green transition is necessarily required.
Green transition by decarbonizing the cement industry involves vital strategies like developing alternative cement formulations, implementing carbon capture technologies, integrating renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, embracing circular economy practices, fostering policy support, and investing in research. These efforts are essential for reducing the industry's carbon footprint and advancing a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Nevertheless, the adoption of these decarbonization measures will likely vary across countries based on the unique national circumstances, challenges and regulatory framework of countries that would play an important role in their uptake.
This panel will comprise of industry leaders who would draw attention towards latest technology, policy and circularity levers that can support the green transition towards low carbon cement plants across the world. It will also discuss Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) in the cement sector, and how it provides a realistic pathway for cement companies to transition to a net zero world. The panel will also discuss value creation opportunities for investments in the sector
Location: RCREEE Pavilion
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Energy transition in emerging markets - Imperatives for early retirement of coal power plants
Join an exchange on the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) as a tool to facilitate the early retirement of coal power plants. During this session, the key stakeholders will share insights on primary objectives, considerations and imperatives for structuring and implementing early coal retirement. This panel comprising of utility, regulator, developer, and lenders will share the blueprint of effecting a successful ETM by best aligning the strategic objectives of all as the countries, territories and jurisdictions chart the pathways to meet their climate commitments.
Location: Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Risks and renewables: addressing the modern slavery risks of scaling renewable energy
The impacts of climate change will adversely affect a wide range of human rights. There are clear links between climate change, the energy transition and increased vulnerability to human trafficking and modern slavery. In 2023, for the first time, solar panels have cracked the top 5 most “at-risk” products for modern slavery globally1. How can we scale renewables and drive climate action in a way that protects the livelihoods, health and freedoms of the most vulnerable?
The G20 accounts for over half of all people living in modern slavery and imports half a trillion dollars of products connected to modern slavery annually. How can we bridge the divide between Global North and South in eradicating modern slavery? What is the role of investors and asset owners and managers in reducing modern slavery risk in their value chains? What tools exist to embed modern slavery risk reduction in the scaling of renewable energy?
Location: Renewable Energy Action (REA) Pavilion, Opportunity District, Thematic Arena 3 (Blue Zone)
December 5: Energy, Industry / Just Transition / Indigenous Peoples Day
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Addressing the social dimension of the energy transformation, co-hosted with the Alliance for a Just Energy Transformation (AJET)
One year after becoming a founding member of the Alliance for a Just Energy Transformation, co-founded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), KPMG International will bring together leaders from AJET member organizations for a discussion that delves into the heart of the Just Transition agenda. This event transcends typical discussions, focusing on the Just Transition agenda to help ensure the energy transformation honors the workforce and communities it impacts. Join the discussion to gain insights into the global tapestry of challenges and triumphs, outline actionable strategies, and learn how you can play a pivotal role in this equitable energy revolution.
Location: Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Turning the tide in scaling renewables
The renewable energy industry has experienced impressive growth over the past decade. However, with renewables currently representing only 14% of the global energy mix2, the goal to raise this figure to 77% by 20503 will require a tripling of renewable energy deployments from 2022 levels over the next six years4.
What are the prospects for the global renewable energy industry to bridge the gap and deliver the desired speed and scale of growth by 2050? In the face of mounting barriers, how can renewable energy stakeholders—from developers to policymakers—innovate to accelerate the pace of sustainable energy solutions? With over 84% of renewable executives5 reporting project delays or cancelations, what lessons can we draw from those who have triumphed over these challenges to reimagine our approach to deployment? As investment flows are crucial, what are the roles and responsibilities of financial institutions in overcoming the funding challenges for renewable energy projects?
Join this immersive session that will not just dissect these inquiries but also facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas, unveiling innovative pathways to scale renewable energy in a manner that honors our collective commitment to a just and sustainable future.
Location: Thematic Arena 4 – Energy (Blue Zone) & Livestreamed
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. GST | Breaking financial barriers in decarbonizing cities
Attracting private sector investment into cities is essential for achieving ambitious decarbonization and just transition goals as well as stimulating prosperity. Cities know their needs and priorities to achieve net zero but need to secure investment that goes beyond the public purse. On the other hand, private investors seek investable and profitable projects that offer options for replicability - a key component in accelerating decarbonization in cities.
This session will bring together city mayors and leaders, private investors, government and other stakeholders to discuss how to progress existing pragmatic initiatives that are bringing together cities and investors and addressing the challenges of securing investment including innovative financing, scale replicability.
The KPMG Net Zero Urban Program and the UK’s Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci) have been collaborating on Net Zero Neighborhoods, a place-based integrated finance model approach which is attracting the interest of investors. Fifty UK cities have submitted Net Zero Neighborhood proposals to 3Ci demonstrating the ambition of UK cities. The Mayor of Bristol and Leader of Glasgow will be in the room to discuss the challenges and opportunities of their NZN proposals as well as highlighting other successful models in their cities that have the potential to be scaled up and replicated such as Bristol City Leap – Bristol’s £1 billion low carbon energy infrastructure program being delivered through a public-private partnership, and the Glasgow Green Print which puts forward £30 billion worth of net zero projects for the investment market.
Participants will be invited to provide valuable insights and feedback that will take the Net Zero Neighborhood proposals from business case to delivery by COP29 and accelerate the scale and replication of other models.
Location: Shared Presentation Hub (Blue Zone) & Livestreamed
December 6: Multilevel Action, Urbanization and Built Environment / Transport Day
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | KPMG ESG Academy Showcase
Learn how to help transform your organization and workforce with the new KPMG ESG Academy! This live showcase session will introduce you to s tailored ESG training solution. The ESG Academy has answers to key environmental, social and governance questions through an up-to-date learning experience designed by KPMG professionals and delivered in collaboration with leading international academic research institutions. This session will guide you through the foundation-level curriculum, which is designed for practitioners who want to dive into pressing ESG issues. Delivered as a collaboration and technology integration between KPMG, the global organization, and Microsoft, the ESG Academy is ready to be implemented and accessible through your preferred system. Additional details are available at www.kpmgESGacademy.com.
Location: Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Empowering cities with digital twins: Advancing policies, investments, and a just transition via a Whole Systems Approach
Join a journey to witness how digital twins are making a substantial impact in urban environments. The session will delve into practical case studies from cities worldwide, showcasing how digital twins bring about tangible change. By integrating a whole-systems approach with digital twins, the aim is to unveil how technology can support policy decisions, investments, and the concept of a just transition.
Location: UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UNFCCC GIH) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
December 8: Youth, Children, Education and Skills Day
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. GST | Turning the tide in scaling renewables
The renewable energy sector has witnessed remarkable growth in the last decade. However, with renewables currently constituting only 14% of the global energy mix,6 achieving the target of reaching 77% by 20507 necessitates tripling of renewable energy deployments from 2022 levels over the next six years.8
What are the prospects for the global renewable energy industry in bridging this gap and attaining the desired speed and scale of growth by 2050? Faced with mounting barriers, how can stakeholders in renewable energy, ranging from developers to policymakers, innovate to expedite the adoption of sustainable energy solutions? Given that over 84% of renewable executives9 report project delays or cancellations, what insights can be drawn from those who have successfully navigated these challenges to reshape our approach to deployment? Considering the pivotal role of investment flows, what roles and responsibilities do financial institutions have in overcoming the funding challenges for renewable energy projects?
During this session, RCREEE will also present an analysis of those prospects, challenges, and lessons learned from a Middle Eastern perspective, with a particular focus on Arab countries that are members of RCREEE.
Join this engaging session, which will not only analyze these questions but also foster a lively exchange of ideas. Discover innovative pathways to amplify renewable energy in a way that upholds a shared dedication to a fair and sustainable future.
Location: Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) Pavilion (Blue Zone)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Sandbox for skills: young professionals and the skills needed for a just transition
Today, we have the largest youth population in the world’s history. We also have one the largest and most complex challenges in the world’s history: climate change. As we rapidly transform our systems to mitigate and adapt to climate change, so too the skills needed to deliver on this transformation must be developed. According to the ILO, 100 million jobs can be created through the transition to sustainable energy sources and a circular economy scenario6.
What are the skills needed to fulfil this transition? How are those development opportunities equitably distributed? How can young people best prepare themselves for the changing world? And, what is the role of the private sector in supporting this development, when institutions lag behind?
Location: Renewable Energy Action (REA) Pavilion, Opportunity District, Thematic Arena 3 (Blue Zone)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Joining forces for tomorrow, with Emirates NBD
Join a panel, hosted by KPMG International and Emirates NBD, where voices of youth take centre stage alongside senior leaders to tackle pressing issues that not only will shape their lives but also influence the future of our planet in the lead-up to 2050. It will explore an array of topics, from climate change and social justice to technological innovation and sustainable development. Engage with forward-thinking leaders and young minds as they dissect the needs, challenges, and vast potentials of tomorrow's youth.
Location: Emirates NBD Pavilion (Green Zone)
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | City slickers: Youth and urban decarbonization with Student Energy
It is estimated that 60% of rapidly growing city populations are projected to be less than 18 years old by 2030.7 In particular, in emerging economies and the Global South, birth rates continue to rise in parallel to urban centres developing and expanding. The number of young people seeking urban life, for healthcare access, employment and economic opportunity and education is putting a strain on existing infrastructure, and demanding development. In parallel, cities most rapidly decarbonize to meet Net Zero goals.
How can young people be a part of solving the tension between urban development and emissions reduction? What are the levers young people can pull to address municipal and local governments to create a sustainable future? How can this be done with a place-based approach, where cultural context and inclusion are at their core?
Location: Renewable Energy Action (REA) Pavilion, Opportunity District, Thematic Arena 3 (Blue Zone)
December 9: Nature, Land Use, and Oceans Day
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. GST | RCREE Pavilion | Decarbonizing hard to abate sectors: technology, innovation and regulations
Hard to abate sector, as the name suggests, accounts for almost 30% of global GHG emissions. These industry uses carbon as integral part of their process and hence relatively difficult to decarbonize. Private sector must undoubtedly play an important role here and many have already taken up net zero targets in the foreseeable future. Innovations could make this transition cheaper and suitable policy push could add pace to such transition.
To address the pressing urgency with deep decarbonization of such sectors, this panel will highlight existing and emerging technologies that can be leveraged through alliances, collaborations, policy, and regulatory levers. This panel will invite industry leaders to understand opportunities and needs from their side towards industry decarbonization and how that can be aligned to national/international policy landscape.
Location: RCREE Pavilion
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Supporting businesses on their nature journey, with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
Dive into an immersive workshop designed to guide businesses through the intricate landscape of environmental stewardship. In collaboration with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), this session offers a rare opportunity to tackle the complexities of integrating nature into corporate strategy, with a hands-on approach to overcoming hurdles and harnessing opportunities.
Location: Shared Presentation Hub (Blue Zone) & Livestreamed
December 10: Food, agriculture & water
The agricultural sector is facing a range of challenges from increased demand for food, to increased scarcity of natural resources including water, declining biodiversity, extreme weather events, and geopolitical implications for food security. This is further augmented by the importance of agriculture for climate mitigation.
In the UAE and GCC, these challenges are pronounced, especially due to high reliance on food imports and widespread water scarcity. The added layer of complexity is the growing population in the UAE and the region driven by an accelerated flow of expats, as well as indigenous populations heavily relying on traditional food production methods. To achieve food security while meeting the goals of climate mitigation, we must build resilient agricultural and sustainable water and energy systems locally and regionally. The banking sector plays a key role in accelerating this transition by providing access to innovative financing solutions. Leveraging current progress in green financing across the region, the financial institution can further advance its contribution to the transformative ambition of the region. This event aims to provide a perspective on the opportunities that financial institutions can tap into across the region to meet the financing that supports the deployment of transformative sustainable water, food, and energy systems.
Location: First Abu Dhabi Bank Pavilion, Green zone
Our Insights
Innovation to net zero
An emerging global ecosystem of climate innovators is developing a wide range of exciting new green technologies. Their challenge is to secure funding, find industrial partners to test and pilot new products, and commercialize at scale.
KPMG firms are working with clients large and small to help them fulfil their potential and unleash climate, sustainable energy, carbon reduction and removal solutions. Calling on our deep knowledge of the public and private sectors, KPMG professionals can assist with matters like regulation, risk and value assessment, finance and investment, data management, and complex stakeholder processes.
Cities have a crucial role to play in the net zero transition, which is why KPMG developed the Net Zero Urban Program in collaboration with United Cities, to accelerate decarbonization in urban environments.
Energy transition
Scaling up the development, provision and adoption of renewables requires a huge, collaborative effort from governments, businesses, regulators, investors and consumers. This involves significant investment in grid infrastructure, and faster planning and permitting to provide the land needed to generate the power. Energy storage capacity should be expanded at pace, along with incentives to accelerate innovation of all relevant renewable technologies.
Many of the raw materials needed to drive the green revolution are in short supply, while extraction – along with construction of renewable facilities – carries risks to nature and biodiversity. The renewables industry itself may be vulnerable to climate change, so any solutions must attempt to build resilience to ensure a ready future supply of clean energy for all nations, rich and poor.
Climate and nature nexus
As biodiversity become a growing priority, businesses are learning more about how their operations affect the natural world – and what they can do to mitigate any negative impacts. Driven by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), regulators are increasingly asking organizations to incorporate both climate- and nature-related risks into their reporting.
Understanding the requirements of both the TNFD and the TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) is essential, in order to satisfy regulators, investors, customers and other stakeholders. Boards are under significant pressure to address environmental issues, and need to grasp the implications of climate and nature risks and opportunities. We recommend an integrated approach, to embed sustainability and evolve to a circular, climate- and nature-friendly business model.
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