The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is hosting its Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance for Africa and the Middle East on May 6-7, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco. This key event, open to UNEP FI members and non-members, will play a crucial role in shaping the sustainable finance agenda, driving the transition toward a greener, more just economy, and securing a sustainable future for the region.

As part of UNEP FI’s biennial series of five major regional events on sustainable finance in 2025, the Africa and Middle East Roundtable will highlight innovative responses to emerging global trends in sustainable finance and responsible banking and insurance practices. The event will bring together finance professionals to discuss critical sustainability issues, including climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-positive finance, just transition and financial inclusion, sustainability policy and regulation, real economy transition, carbon trading, and carbon finance, among others.

Register here to join in person or access event recordings afterward.

Showcase your leadership and partner with us

Partnering with UNEP FI on a Regional Roundtable offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to advancing the sustainable finance agenda globally. It also enhances your brand’s visibility among the global finance community, UNEP FI members, and key stakeholders. Please contact Melissa Angel for more information.

Contact us for any questions or comments at: roundtable@unepfi.org

FAQ

What is the Regional Roundtable Africa & Middle East 2025?
The Regional Roundtable (RRT) on Sustainable Finance Africa & Middle East 2025 is part of UNEP FI’s biennial series of events, bringing together finance professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss and shape the sustainable finance agenda in the region. The event will focus on critical sustainability topics, including climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-positive finance, just transition and financial inclusion, sustainability policy and regulation, real economy transition, carbon trading, and carbon finance, among others. The Roundtable aims to drive meaningful dialogue and action toward a greener and more just economy in Africa and the Middle East.

When and where will the event take place?
The event is scheduled for May 6th to 7th, 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.

Who should attend?
The Roundtable is open to financial institutions, regulators, policymakers, sustainability experts, and other stakeholders engaged in sustainable finance in Africa and the Middle East.

Can I join online?
The Regional Roundtables are in-person events. However, session recordings will be uploaded online shortly after the event.

Is registration required?
Yes, registration is required to attend the event. Please note that space is limited, so it is recommended to register early.

Is there a registration fee?
This year, the Roundtables are free of charge. However, kindly note that submitting your registration does not guarantee approval to attend. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration has been approved.

How do I register?
Please register here. Your registration will be confirmed by email.

I’ve registered to attend in-person. Do I have to pay for anything else?
Participants traveling to Marrakech are responsible for their own travel arrangements and related costs, including transportation, visa (if applicable), food, and accommodation.
However, lunch, coffee breaks, and refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

Does UNEP FI cover travel or accommodation costs for attendees or speakers?
UNEP FI does not provide financial support for travel or accommodation. All attendees and speakers are expected to cover their own costs.

Do I need a visa to attend?
A visa is required for some nationalities.

Please visit this page to find out if you need a visa for Morocco and whether you can apply online or in person. The e-Visa platform is available here, and you can also refer to the Moroccan Consulate website for more information.

Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Morocco. It is recommended that you check the specific entry requirements with the Moroccan consulate or embassy in your country to confirm.

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel expenses, including visas. Unfortunately, UNEP FI unable to assist with visa applications.

Please be aware that visa approvals are solely at the discretion of Moroccan authorities, and event registration does not guarantee entry into Morocco. We recommend checking visa requirements well in advance and applying as early as possible.

What is the best way to travel around Marrakech?
The best way to get around Marrakech is by taxi, with regulated fares: 70 dirhams during the day and 100 dirhams at night for trips to and from the airport. To ensure a fair price, use official taxis—typically red—and make sure they have a meter or agree on a fare before starting your ride. Be mindful that some drivers may try to overcharge tourists.
Most hotels provide taxi services, and there is an official taxi counter inside the airport where you can arrange a ride.
Marrakech is also a walkable city, with the Old Town approximately 30 minutes away on foot. The area is very safe for tourists, though the weather in May can be quite hot, so staying hydrated and dressing accordingly is recommended.

For more details, visit Marrakech’s official tourism website.

 

Will meals be provided during the event?
Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided throughout the event.

Will there be interpretation services available?
Real-time interpretation between French and English will be available during the event.

Will there be Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes, free Wi-Fi will be available at the venue.

What other practical information should I keep in mind?
The local currency in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash (Advice to use local currency cash, especially for Taxis, in Markets and small shops )is recommended for smaller transactions.
In May, Marrakech experiences warm and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F–86°F). It is suggested to drink plenty of water during the day. Evenings can be cooler, so it is advisable to bring an extra layer. Rain is rare, and the city enjoys plenty of sunshine.
Morocco operates on 220V/50 Hz electricity. The standard plug types used are C and E (two-round pin plugs). Travelers may need an adapter.
SIM cards are available in the airport and everywhere in the city
You’ll find more information about planning your trip on this website.

Useful Numbers
Emergency Services

  • Police: 190 
  • Ambulance: 150  
  • Fire: 150  

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) Information Desk: +212 524 43 79 10
Tourist Police: +212 524 38 46 01 0r +212 524 88 86 80 (toll-free number, accessible 24 hours a day, is available to tourists in Morocco)
Roadside Assistance: 177

For more information, including consulate details, security tips, administrative offices, tourist guide associations, postal services, and general information on communication and utilities, visit here.

Who can I contact regarding further questions?
For any additional questions, please contact roundtable@unepfi.org with the subject line: FAQ_AME2025.


Day 1   |  6 May 2025
Time Session 
  Opening of UNEP FI Regional Roundtable Africa and Middle East
9:00 Opening and keynotes
9:20 High-level dialogue: Regional collaboration to support sustainability goals
10:00 Plenary panel: Accelerating the real economy transition in Africa and Middle East
10:50 Break
11:20 Plenary panel: Advancing action on climate adaptation and resilience
12:20 Plenary panel: Unlocking private finance for the Sustainable Development Goals
12:50 Lunch
13:40 Plenary panel: V20 SIF: Financing & insuring MSMEs for climate adaptation & resilience
Deep dive sessions   Deep dive sessions 
14:50 Next steps on impact analysis for banks Nairobi Declaration: embedding sustainability into African insurance markets
15:50 Break  
16:20 Healthy and inclusive economies: the role of banks Insuring a resilient nature-positive future
17:20 Workshop for banks: Principles for Responsible Banking framework updates and discussion Workshop for insurers: Exploring Principles for Sustainable Insurance focus areas
18:30 End of Day 1

 

Day 2  |  7 May 2025
Time Session
9:00 Opening remarks
9:10 Keynote
9:20 Plenary panel: Regulatory developments promoting sustainable finance
10:10 High-level dialogue: Advancing carbon markets in Africa and Middle East
10:40 Break
Deep dive sessions   Deep dive sessions 
11:10 Engaging banking clients and customers for a sustainable future Unlocking circular economy finance
12:10 Lunch  
13:00 Supporting a just and inclusive transition in Africa and Middle East How finance can develop and scale up nature-based solutions
14:00 Workshop for banks: Navigating the climate mitigation journey: A practical workshop for banks Workshop for insurers: Advancing the Principles for Sustainable Insurance in Africa and Middle East: A journey for insurers
15:30 Break
16:00 UNEP FI Members’ engagement forum for Africa and Middle East (UNEP FI members only) Outreach for banks and insurance on PSI and PRB (presentations and networking)
17:15 End of Day 2

Showcase your leadership and partner with us

Partnering with UNEP FI on a Regional Roundtable offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to advancing the sustainable finance agenda globally. It also enhances your brand’s visibility among the global finance community, UNEP FI members, and key stakeholders. Please contact Melissa Angel for more information.