OPENING

Sustainable Finance and Decarbonisation

At Lisbon campus of Lusíada University the 2^nd edition of the International Conference on Sustainable Finance will take place on the 16^th of November 2026, focusing on the critical intersection of decarbonisation strategies and the evolving landscape of sustainable finance.

As global economies strive to meet net-zero emissions targets and transition to a low-carbon future, innovative financial mechanisms and robust regulatory frameworks are essential to bridge the financing gap and drive real-world change. 

The 2030 SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 7 is “Clean and affordable energy”. 

In technological terms a lot has been achieved, but a lot more needs to be done. Richard Smalley, 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry dreamed about the contribution of nanotechnology to energy. Imagine solar panels that would take up minimum space. Aqua Battery offers ecological batteries that store energy using only water. 

In terms of affordability the situation seems worse. In the Report “Making the Green Transition Work for People and the Economy” of the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with McKinsey & Company (November 2025) (https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/research/making-green-transition-work-people-and-economy) the issue that worries more managers is the “higher cost of energy and key commodities”, and according to the UN Development Programme at least 1.18 billion people in the world are energy poor (https://data.undp.org/blog/1-18-billion-around-the-world-in-energy-poverty).

According to the Report Global Landscape of Energy Transition Finance 2025 (IRENA and CPI, 2025, Global landscape of energy transition finance 2025, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi) in China the domestic public funding in 2022/2023 reached 64%, and represented 208 billion USD, almost a third (31%) of all renewable energy financing globally. Domestic private finance also provided 35% of the investment. This means that China’s renewable energy sector is the least reliant on international sources.

In advanced economies the private sector provided 87% of investment funding. In emerging economies like India and Brazil the private sector is now providing more than 60% of investment. The transition from public to private funding is strongly related to economic development, strong institutions, and public policies.

As stated in the aforementioned Report, investment in energy transition technologies grew globally, but 90% remained concentrated in advanced economies and China, which means a world which is leaving behind less developed countries.

This Report was released ahead of the UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

This conference provides a platform for academics, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the challenges and opportunities in aligning financial systems with global climate goals.

We welcome original research, case studies, empirical analyses, and theoretical papers that offer fresh insights and actionable recommendations.

Why to attend?

Get insights from original update research based on reliable databases and case studies. Find the gaps for R&D in the coming future.
Stay Informed on Policy & Regulation: Learn about evolving policies in different parts of the world, new standards, and how political shifts are impacting investment strategies for decarbonization.
Identify Investment Opportunities: Discover markets and technologies (e.g., sustainable fuels, industrial decarbonization) where capital is needed and opportunities exist.
Navigate Challenges: Get perspectives on ESG, geopolitical complexities, and how to refine strategies for real impact, rather than just compliance.
Network & Collaborate: Connect with a diverse ecosystem, including regulators, banks, corporations, data providers, and academics, to share best practices and form new partnerships.
Enhance Strategic Management: Gain knowledge to integrate sustainability into core strategies, manage climate risks in the low-carbon transition.
Understand Risk & Resilience: Learn how to strengthen financial systems against climate pressures and build more resilient, climate-smart communities.
Drive Real-World Action: Focus on actionable pathways to mobilize capital for social and environmental challenges.

Who Should Attend?

Researchers, Regulators, Policy makers, Leaders and professionals from banks, investment firms, corporations, advisory firms, data providers, and associations involved in finance and sustainability.