Dubai International Financial Centre looks to train 1m people in sustainable finance
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the '1 Million Learners' initiative as part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst.
The new initiative aims to equip one million individuals with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement was made during the Dubai FinTech Summit, hosted by DIFC at Madinat Jumeirah.
The initiative reflects DIFC's commitment to shaping a financial ecosystem that supports environmental and social responsibility.
Dubai FinTech Summit DIFC sustainability pledge
As economies increasingly integrate sustainability into their growth models, enhancing understanding of sustainable finance is essential to building inclusive, resilient and future-ready societies.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: 'DIFC is proud to be leading the way in advancing sustainability in the region. The '1 Million Learners' initiative is a testament to our belief that real impact begins with education.
'By working closely with our valued partners, we are making sustainability knowledge more accessible and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global sustainable transformation.'
The initiative is backed by a coalition of 28 founding partners, comprising leading organisations from across sectors that share a commitment to advancing sustainability knowledge.
These include:
AICPA & CIMA
C3
Candriam
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Clean Energy Business Council
CFA Institute
DesignThinkers Group
Dubai Business Associates
Edinburgh Business School – Heriot-Watt University
Emirates NBD
Expo City Dubai
GIST Impact
Global Capacity Building Coalition
Global Climate Finance Centre
Global Ethical Finance Initiative
Global Shapers Dubai Hub
Institute of Management Accountants
International Finance Corporation
London Stock Exchange Group
Mastercard
Oxford & Cambridge Society of the UAE
Principles for Responsible Investment
S&P Global
Stashaway
United Nations Development Programme
World Green Economy Organisation
Visa
In collaboration with its partners, DIFC aims to redefine how sustainability education is delivered at scale, equipping a new generation of professionals with the knowledge to drive meaningful change.
To ensure the programme delivers measurable outcomes, DIFC has appointed GIST Impact as its impact partner.
GIST's science-based methodologies are aligned with leading global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
The partnership will support DIFC in evaluating the initiative's impact and communicating its progress effectively.
GIST Impact's expertise in translating social outcomes such as improved access to education, equity and livelihoods into measurable insights will help ensure the 1 Million Learners initiative achieves scale while delivering meaningful benefits for communities, particularly in underserved regions.
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