December 2-7, 2023; Dubai, U.A.E.

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is pleased to extend an invitation to attend a series of COP28 programming organized by Business Council Founding member DLA Piper. DLA Piper is the legal provider of the COP Presidency. They are hosting a number of events, including a green tech conference on December 7th. Please see below for more information about this programming and details about how to register.

Business Leaders for Climate Action – UNHCR/DLA Piper Evening Reception
2 December 2023
18:30 – 20:30 GST
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club      

This is an evening event in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, DLA Piper, and UNHCR. 

The event will highlight UNHCR’s work on climate action, the launch of the Climate Finance Hub and associated climate funding needs globally. This will be an opportunity to highlight existing climate projects such as the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund, and other key climate projects for which UNHCR is seeking funding.  

Speakers:  

• Mr. Filippo Grandi UN High Commissioner for Refugees (opening remarks)
• Mr. Simon Levine, Global co-CEO and Managing Partner of DLA Piper
• Mr. Nick Studer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Wyman
•  Ms. Raya Abirached, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador (moderator)              

Agenda:

• 18:30 GST: Opening
• 19.30 GST: Formal proceedings

To RSVP, contact Hannah Little at Hannah.Little@dlapiper.com

DLA Piper Transition Plans Event
5 December 2023
15:30 – 19:30 GST
Capital Club, DIFC                

This is a moderated panel discussion in collaboration with the City of London Corporation, followed by a drinks reception.

Transition plans are increasingly coming under attention. With several policymakers looking at making climate transition plans mandatory and increasing pressure from stakeholders to show how corporate sustainability targets will be achieved, businesses are increasingly needing to consider whether they need to put a transition plan in place or how they respond to rising demands to provide information needed for these plans.

Panelists:

• Chris Haywood, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation
• Claudine Blamey, Group Sustainability Director, Aviva
• Kelly Sporn, Head of Strategic Delivery – Sustainability & ESG and Special Counsel, DLA Piper
• Vincent Keaveny CBE, Partner, DLA Piper & Alderman, City of London Corporation (moderator)

Agenda:

• 15:30 – 16:15 GST: Registration 
• 16:30 – 17:30 GST: Panel session
• 17:30 – 19:30 GST: Networking drinks reception    

To RSVP, please contact Rachel Taylor at rachel.e.taylor@dlapiper.com or Suzanna Allan at Suzanna.Allan@dlapiper.com

DLA Piper Energy Dinner

6 December 2023
18:30 – 21:00 GST
Thiptara private dining room, The Palace Hotel

This event, hosted by Natasha Luther-Jones, International Head of Sustainability and ESG, Global Co-Chair, Energy and Natural Resources Sector, will provide an opportunity to reflect on the key discussions and decisions made on Energy Day, as well as discuss the energy transition more generally.

Speakers:

• Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman of DSM, Chair of Philips, Co-Chair of the CEO Climate Leaders Alliance, and Co-Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)

Agenda

• 18:30 GST: Arrival drinks
• 19:00 GST: Dinner
• 21:00 GST: Concluding thoughts and event close     

To RSVP, please contact Sarah Jayne Scott at SarahJayne.Scott@dlapiper.com

Green Technology Conference

7 December 2023
12:30 PM – 19:00 PM GST
The Royal Ballroom, The Palace Hotel      

This is a half day conference with two major sessions focused on AI and Impact Investing.

The first session, titled “AI – CLIMATE’S FRIEND OR FOE” will explore the intricate relationship between AI and its impact on climate change. As AI technologies continue to advance, they hold the potential to both mitigate and exacerbate environmental challenges. This session will bring together industry leaders to discuss the various ways AI can impact climate change, ranging from the use of sustainable solutions to potential risks.

Speakers:

• Paul Allen (welcome remarks)
• Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, TII
• Dr. Fernando Barrio, Queen Mary University of London
• Jessica Robinson, MENA Sustainable Finance Leader, EY-Parthenon
• Mark O’Conor, DLA Piper (moderator)
• Coran Darling, DLA Piper (moderator)

The second session, titled “IMPACT INVESTING – HOW TO DRIVE REAL VALUE FOR THE FUTURE,” examines the growing demand for climate-focused technologies and services, creating attractive investment opportunities, as governments and businesses worldwide commit to sustainability goals and carbon neutrality. This session will explore the locations and regions with most potential for sustainable investments and the different asset classes that are shaping the future of climate tech investment. The panel will discuss how regulatory headwinds and ESG are changing the investment landscape and how to structure investments to create maximum impact – and returns.                

Speakers:

• Murat Aktihanoglu, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Remarkable Ventures ERA ERA Global
• Divya Seshamani, Managing Partner, Greensphere Capital LLP
• Anthony Day, DLA Piper
• Craig Tighe, DLA Piper                                                                    

To RSVP, please contact Sarah Jayne Scott at SarahJayne.Scott@dlapiper.com