In a recent event, King Charles III had the privilege of engaging with a group of experts in the field of sustainable finance during his visit to Guernsey. This delegation consisted of representatives from various firms specialising in captives, who shared valuable insights into the island’s accomplishments in the realm of sustainable finance.
In conjunction with Guernsey Finance, the island’s financial services promotion agency, the delegation provided King Charles III with an overview of Guernsey’s significant role as a leading advocate and pioneer in sustainable finance. They also highlighted the island’s implementation of environmental initiatives within its own infrastructure.
During the meeting, the King held discussions with the island’s financial services regulator to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Guernsey Green Fund and Natural Capital Fund designations. Additionally, the conversations focused on the provision of solar energy in the UK, the positive environmental impact created through investment in British Sustainable Infrastructure Strategies, and captive solutions.
Distinguished individuals present at the meeting included Noel Quinn, Global Head of HSBC, and Emmanuelle Bury of BNP Paribas, representing The King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative. The Sustainable Markets Initiative, also known as the Terra Carta, was launched in 2021 with the objective of leading a global effort to empower the private sector to expedite the achievement of climate, biodiversity, and Sustainable Development Goal targets. The Terra Carta encapsulates guiding principles that place People, Planet, and Nature at the core of global value creation.
Following this exchange, Rupert Pleasant, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance, expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Guernsey’s position as a global leader in sustainable finance with His Majesty. He emphasised the significance of collaborating with the Sustainable Markets Initiative to explore how Guernsey’s financial services sector can contribute to various task forces and raise awareness of the Terra Carta among firms committed to sustainability.
This meeting holds significance not only for Guernsey but also for the broader finance sector as it reaffirms the commitment to advancing sustainable finance and setting a precedent for global climate and biodiversity initiatives. The exchange between King Charles III and the delegation from Guernsey serves as a testament to the importance of upholding sustainability within the financial realm.
In reflection of this valuable engagement, it serves as a reminder of the influential role that sustainable finance plays in shaping a more sustainable future, with Guernsey at the forefront of this crucial movement.
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