22 October 2009: The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is convening its 2009 Global Roundtable in Cape Town, South Africa, from 22-23 October 2009. The purpose of the meeting is to explore ways towards achieving sustainable financial markets and economies.

As the Copenhagen meeting in December approaches, the Roundtable is intended help frame discussions on international climate policy expected to impact the financial sector and international carbon markets.
The report “The global state of sustainable insurance – understanding and integrating environmental, social and governance factors in insurance” was launched at the Roundtable. The report is based on a global survey on the understanding of environmental, social and governance factors in insurance, underwriting and product development, and indicates that insurance companies believe their industry can play a crucial role in speeding up the transition to a green economy.
Several other publications related to climate change are also being launched at the meeting, including: The materiality of climate change – how finance copes with the ticking clock; A comprehensive review of key financial analyst and academic research on climate change; Catalysing low carbon growth in developing economies – public finance mechanisms to scale up private sector investment in climate solutions; How Public Finance Mechanisms can be employed to scale up private sector investment in climate solutions; Financing a global deal on climate change; and an investor statement on the urgent need for a global agreement on climate change. [UNEP Finance Initiative website] [UN press release]