Established since 2018, Unlocking capital for sustainability is an annual premiere event organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that brings together high-level decision makers in finance, business, government and civic society to discuss and commit to actionable initiatives that mobilise the capital markets for sustainable development.
The financial sector stands at a crossroads of change: Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the role of finance in building equitable, sustainable economies has been extensively debated across societies. Set amid this backdrop is the rise of sustainable finance, which allocates capital with an environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens to create long-term value for all stakeholders. Despite the encouraging momentum, however, the deployment of sustainability-driven capital remains small relatively to the size of global markets. Unlocking capital for sustainability aims to accelerate the growth and adoption of sustainable finance in capital markets, with a particular emphasis on Asia Pacific.
September 11, 2026
Suntec Singapore
Asia will need to move beyond ambitious climate target-setting to implementation, underpinned by credible financial and investment drivers. This will require directing capital towards long-term climate adaptation and disaster resilience, while addressing emerging risks from nature loss, waste and water and food security. At the same time, mitigating emissions through a coal phase-out and renewable energy expansion must continue.
The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Singapore will convene leading policymakers, investors and industry players to chart credible transition pathways for Singapore and the region.
July 23, 2026
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia is deepening its regional Asean partnerships and advancing climate adaptation and disaster preparedness to build a resilient, future-ready economy. Central to this vision is the ability to mobilise finance that drives sustainable growth while strengthening the nation’s resilience to climate, economic and social disruption.
The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Malaysia will bring together policymakers, regulators, financiers and industry leaders to explore how coordinated action and innovative financing solutions can unlock new sources of capital. The goal: to accelerate sustainable investment, enable inclusive growth and secure a resilient economic future for Malaysia and the region.
August 19, 2026
Metro Manila
As Asean chair, the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional catalyst for climate action and economic resiliency against a turbulent global geopolitical environment. The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Philippines will convene policymakers, financial leaders and industry players to determine credible pathways for resilient growth in the region.
These include mobilising international and private investments into climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and regional energy connectivity, especially amid retreating domestic funds, while addressing the emerging challenges of food insecurity, waste and climate litigation. By galvanising efforts, the Philippines will create a pathway for a resilient Asean amid an era of heightened geoeconomic confrontation and global uncertainties.
June 24, 2026
Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, Indonesia Convention Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia is at a critical juncture. Faced with pressing governance gaps, deforestation and resource constraints, coupled with the need to attract investments amid civil unrest and a turbulent geopolitical environment, how the country navigates these issues will determine its domestic resiliency and regional leadership.
The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Indonesia will convene leading decision-makers to explore how credible governance reforms can reduce risk, mobilise investment and secure resilient growth while aligning with the country’s long-term economic aspirations.
November 5, 2026
To be confirmed
Hong Kong, a vital gateway between China and the world, is poised to lead Asia’s net zero transition by leveraging its deep financial markets, revitalising multilateralism and scaling climate technology.
Demand is being driven by emerging green, climate and tech opportunities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Belt and Road economic corridors. As a vital part of this ecosystem, Hong Kong aims to provide the necessary financial infrastructure needed to mobilise global flows of sustainable finance into in these regions.
The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Hong Kong will bring together leaders from government, finance and industry to help shape the region’s – and by extension, the world’s – sustainable finance pathway.
September 23, 2026
Bangkok
Faced with its weakest economic growth in decades, Thailand is increasingly leveraging sustainable solutions and technologies to adapt to mounting climate risks while countering global trade and economic volatility. This ranges from channelling long-term finance into adaptation and disaster risk preparedness, to aligning ESG reporting standards and timelines to keep pace with accelerated net zero ambitions.
The 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Thailand forum will convene policymakers, investors and industry leaders to explore how the country can leverage innovation, finance and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen economic resilience through sustainability.
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Global Sustainable Development Congress
Launched in 2022, the Global Sustainable Development Congress brings together leaders from global higher education, business, government, and civil society to accelerate sustainable transformation. From high-level summits to interactive workshops, the congress connects industry, policy and universities to translate ambition into action and advance sustainable development worldwide.
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Energy Shift Institute
Energy Shift Institute is an independent nonprofit energy finance think tank focused on Southeast and East Asia’s energy transition. Their work is grounded in market-relevant knowledge that addresses the complexities of Asian markets. Recognizing that research alone is insufficient to achieve net zero, they actively engage with diverse stakeholders to offer practical implementation strategies, challenge existing perspectives, and push for more ambitious goals.
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International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
ICMA promotes well-functioning cross-border capital markets, which are essential to fund sustainable economic growth. It is a not-for-profit membership association serving around 630 members in 71 jurisdictions globally. Its members include private and public sector issuers, banks and securities dealers, asset and fund managers, insurance companies, law firms, capital market infrastructure providers and central banks.
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EU Asean Business Council
The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) is an advocacy organisation focused on promoting EU-ASEAN trade. Formally recognised by both the ASEAN Secretariat and European Commission, the Council serves as a key representative for European businesses operating in the ASEAN region. We engage directly with governments and key decision-makers, working to shape policy, drive regulatory changes, and ultimately foster an environment where European businesses can thrive.
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Centre for Sustainable Finance Innovation (CSFI)
The Centre for Sustainable Finance Innovation (CSFI) was established in 2022 to spearhead top-notch research and practical education on two main themes: sustainable finance and financial innovations. Its vision is to forge a solid strategic alliance among academia, policymakers, and finance practitioners.
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