Future Cities Briefing: New York
Senior leaders shared their insights
The United Nations called this period “The Decade of Action” - the last chance to reverse the catastrophic path the climate crisis is currently on. This will require extensive global effort, and cities and businesses that operate in them have a role to play in driving the climate goals forward. A hub of culture and commerce, and home to billions of people, cities need to rebuild themselves, and incorporate sustainability at the heart of everything they do. They are complex ecosystems which enable an efficient and safe flow of people and trade. Both citizens and businesses play a critical role in decarbonization as consumers and producers of services and goods.
Supporting the decarbonization journey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a good place to start, considering that SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and employ more than 50% worldwide. It is important to recognize the immense impact this business sector has on a city's decarbonization strategy, as well as the economic benefits of empowering it. However, due to the lack of know-how and financing, SMEs often struggle to adopt an effective ESG strategy, which creates roadblocks to achieving global net-zero goals and impairs the resilience of the business.
This exclusive breakfast briefing, held by the Financial Times in partnership with Siemens, brought together policymakers, businesses, innovators, and investors to engage in expert discussion on the approach to decarbonizing SMEs and the best practices to drive real change in how the sector operates and creates value.
Key Discussion Points
The power of medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Understanding the impact the sector has on decarbonization efforts and economic well-being of the cites.
The competitive advantage of sustainability
Learn why reducing carbon emissions is a business imperative and how it can deliver tangible economic benefits
Building partnerships to drive
a real change
Discuss how government, technology and the private sector can help support the transition
Why Attend?
Understand
How new partnerships and technology solutions help reduce inefficiencies across the entire supply chain
Connect
Build lasting relationships which will help propel your decarbonization strategy
Discover
How SMEs can contribute to cities’ net-zero goals and help them prosper
Covid-19 safety
The health and safety of our guests, partners and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor and follow Government guidelines throughout the planning, opening and running of the Future Cities Briefing: New York. View our Covid-19 Plan for more information.
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