More than 400 industry leaders from around the globe have converged on Melbourne for the latest United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiatives (UNEP FI) Global Roundtable, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Theo Theophanous announced today.
Speaking at a special reception co-sponsored by the Brumby Government and the ANZ, Mr Theophanous said it was fitting the event was being held in Melbourne for the first time in its five-year history.
“These biennial Roundtables are recognised as the principal global event on sustainability in the finance sector and attract hundreds of leading industry professionals from around the world,” he said.
“This is extremely relevant to Victoria given that financial services currently ranks as Victoria’s third largest sector, with major competitive strengths across areas including managed funds, research and development (R&D) and education and training.”
The Global Roundtable is being hosted by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) as part of its Memorandum of Understanding with the UN Environment Program to co-ordinate and promote its Finance Initiatives activities in Australasia.
The Finance Initiatives involve over 160 financial institutions worldwide working with UNEP to develop market strategies that account for environmental and social considerations.
The Australian companies involved are ANZ, Westpac, NAB, Insurance Australia Group, QBE, VicSuper, Savings & Loans Credit Union, MECU Ltd and Medibank Private.
Mr Theophanous said the Brumby Government was committed to maintaining and advancing Victoria’s strong track record on sustainability issues, and understood the important role the finance industry can play.
“Victoria is recognised as a leading Asia Pacific centre for sustainable finance and investment and the EPA's relationship with UNEP FI is supporting further development of our capabilities,” he said
“Holding the Roundtable was an initiative in the Financial Services Action Plan Investing in Victoria's Future and it also supports the key strategic directions of our Framework for environmental sustainability, Our Environment, Our Future.”
The 2007 UNEP FI Global Roundtable is taking place from 24-25 October at Melbourne Park and addresses the theme Awareness to Action.
It features a range of leading international and local speakers and will cover key issues such as climate change and the water sector.