Hong Kong, 7 December 2023

The Future Investment Initiative PRIORITY Summit Hong Kong today convenes global investors, innovators and policymakers to tackle technology, climate, and economy threats.

Investors and leaders from across Asia have gathered in Hong Kong with counterparts from around the world at an international summit to address global challenges, and the mobilisation of investment as a force for good.

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute introduced the inaugural Asia FII PRIORITY summit. 

HE Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment also attended the summit and participated in a panel discussion in which he observed that the Global South is turbocharging the global economy, driven by demographics and economic growth.

John Lee, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, welcomed the FII Institute to Hong Kong in the presence of Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, and Laura M Cha, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX).  John Lee delivered a special address to delegates in which he highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super value adder’ for economies, cultures, and peoples from east and west, made possible by the unique ‘one country, two systems’ principle.

The summit, held in partnership with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), is taking place at HKEX Connect Hall today, Thursday 7 December and tomorrow, Friday 8 December 2023.

Nicolas Aguzin, CEO, HKEX noted the dramatic changes to the geopolitical landscape, with power shifting eastwards, and the rising importance of local exchanges and imperative for continuous innovation in financial markets. 

During the set piece ‘board of changemakers’ panel, Richard Li, Chairman, Pacific Century Group observed how digitalisation is democratizing financial services, enabling even those with incomes of all levels to access tailored financial products.

A traditional gong striking ceremony signaled the historic moment the markets opened in the presence of HKEX Chairman, Laura M. Cha, Hong Kong Chief Executive, John Lee, and Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan alongside FII Institute’s Chairman HE Yasir Al-Rumayyan and CEO Richard Attias, witnessed by over 1,000 summit attendees and audiences the world over.

The summit, held under the theme ‘Megatrends Shaping Humanity’ is addressing the implications of the rise of Asia as a technological, economic and geopolitical power; advances of AI, and the profound changes to life as we know it; as well as increasing calls for humanity and empathy as anchors to economy and society in a fractured and uncertain world.

Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt & Road, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region described Hong Kong as a “true global hub” and outlined his vision to strengthen Hong Kong as the regional headquarter for MENA region business.

Laura M. Cha pointed out that of the top 15 sovereign wealth funds, five are in Asia and six in the Middle East.  China has untapped capital in terms of personal saving of 30 trillion USD and the Middle East has similar potential because of the rise of Saudi and other GCC countries. “It’s going to be an amazing connection that has been underdeveloped in the past; now it is the time for two-way traffic in terms of capital and commerce.” she said.

The FII Institute carries out ongoing research to identify the issues that matters to citizens worldwide.  This year’s polling sampled 50,000 people from 23 countries to identify humanity’s priorities. The findings are then used to shape FII’s policy agenda and programme of summits.  For example, this year’s research has revealed a dramatic global drop of 20% in satisfaction levels, and discontent across a range of issues, including cost of living, loneliness, technology, and climate concerns.

On the rise and regulation of AI Eric Pulier, Founder & CEO, Vatom Corporation describe how AI models must be trained using locally relevant datasets that preserve local heritage if the AI future is to be universally human-centric.

Solina Chau, Co-founder, Horizons Ventures discussed the importance of curious minds and counterfactual thinking to avoid biases and bad policies in an ever-changing world.  She also addressed the low number of women in finance and the need to continue to strive for equality and support each other.

The FII institute showcased two Hong Kong-based grassroots initiatives focused on sustainability and local ecosystem. Redress is an environmental organization aiming to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry.  Farm the City builds and manages urban farms to transform underutilized areas to create sources of nutritious and organic food.

The FII PRIORITY Summit Hong Kong continues conversations held in Riyadh last month.  It is part of an ongoing global programme of summits, to be held next in Miami (February), London (April), and Brazil (June).

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute said:

“Megatrends are reshaping our existence. The advancements in AI, automation, and blockchain are opening doors to futures we have yet to imagine.  With the world changing and Asia in the driving seat we are discussing the global issues that matter to the 8 billion people who live on this planet, and focusing investor attention for policy action.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

FII PRIORITY Hong Kong Summit, held in partnership with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and HKEX, will convene business and finance leaders from around the world

28 November 2023

Riyadh—HE Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, will introduce the inaugural Asia FII PRIORITY Summit in Hong Kong next week. 

Welcoming the FII Institute to Hong Kong will be John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Paul Chan, Financial Secretary; Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; and Laura Cha, Chairman of HKEX. John Lee will deliver a special address to delegates.

The FII Institute is a global data-driven non-profit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: to make a positive ‘impact on humanity’. The institute’s PRIORITY programme spans summits, initiatives and reports supported by its members and strategic partners, with the aim of tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

HE Yasir Al-Rumayyan will be joined by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, and HE Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment.

Kicking off the two-day global summit will be a ‘Board of Changemakers’, the set piece of the event at HKEX Connect Hall starting on December 7th. HKEX Chairman Laura Cha, Hang Lung Capital’s founder Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Schneider Electric Jean-Pascale Tricoire, Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power Mohammad A Abunayyan, President of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Tony Chan, Richard Li Chairman of Pacific Century Group, and Kevin Sneader, President, Asia Pacific, Goldman Sachs will discuss global economic and strategic issues during the board’s 45-minute session. 

Other speakers at the summit will include Hopu Capital’s chairman Fang Fenglei, GGV Capital Asia Managing Partner Jixun Foo, and co-chairman and co-chief investment officer of Hong Kong-listed Value Partners Group Cheah Cheng Hye, Lawrence Moloney, Lead AI Advocate, Google, Patrick Motseppe, Executive Chairman, Africa Rainbow Minerals, and Joshua Fink, founder Luma Group.

Over 1,000 business and finance leaders are expected to attend the summit.

Richard Attias, chief executive of the FII Institute:  “Hong Kong has a hugely important role as a global business hub and a place for investors to connect. With our partners, the Hong Kong Government Special Administrative Region and HKEX, we are honoured to bring our inaugural Asia summit and movement to this great city. Our purpose at FII Institute is to tackle some of humanity’s biggest challenges, such as economic growth, prosperity, and financing the energy transition by convening leaders for top-level constructive dialogue. Our deliberations over the 7th and 8th of December will be focused sharply on important global issues, and we look forward to working with our friends and colleagues from across Asia for a better future for all.” 

The summit will continue conversations at FII7 in Riyadh this past October under the theme ‘The New Compass’, seeking workable solutions to unlocking ESG flows to the Global South, driving global alignment on AI regulation, and investment for more equitable access to education and healthcare. 

Other topics to be discussed at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Hong Kong include how innovators can act to resolve citizen concerns at a global level, the role of the Global South in driving economic growth, the new Asia, the ‘hyper-tech century’, AI and Web4 improving life for all, where next for BRICS, human-centred macro-finance, Asia supply chains, COP28 and climate tech.

 ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute releases “Inclusive ESG Tool” and accompanying “Inclusive ESG Score” to help emerging market companies and global investors unlock investments.

• Despite a global surge in sustainable investments over recent years, emerging markets receive less than 10 percent of ESG capital flows worldwide.

• After the success of the Inclusive ESG Framework developed by FII Institute in 2022, this year, FII Institute has partnered with ESG Book to create an online tool and score for investors to analyze ESG performance and make better investment decisions.

• Addressing data gaps in emerging market analysis, the Inclusive ESG Score identifies companies that prioritize ESG factors while fostering long-term sustainable growth.

• The Inclusive ESG Score drives the Inclusive ESG Ranking, which identifies the 250 most sustainable emerging markets companies, launched at the 7^th edition of FII Institute’s flagship conference in Riyadh, FII.

• The new tool has the potential to help reduce the USD $5.4 trillion ESG investment gap in emerging markets.

26 October, 2023 – Riyadh and London – The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global non-profit foundation dedicated to tackling global challenges, has unveiled its Inclusive ESG Tool and Score at the annual FII flagship conference to improve the quality of data on ESG in emerging markets and empower companies in these markets to receive financial flows. The initiative has been developed in partnership with ESG Book, a global leader in sustainability data and technology.

The FII Institute’s Inclusive ESG Tool has been developed to empower companies in these markets improve sustainability efforts and results while helping investors identify current and future performance leaders.

While there has been a surge in ESG investing over the past decade, with an estimated USD $38 trillion in sustainability-led assets now under management worldwide, emerging markets continue to receive less than 10 percent of ESG capital flows, despite accounting for 58 percent of global GDP. The new Inclusive ESG Tool has the potential to help reduce an ESG investment gap of USD $5.4 trillion in emerging markets¹.

Interviews conducted by FII Institute with leading global investors have revealed that ESG rating agencies are one of the main barriers to increasing investment in emerging markets, with a core challenge being that many rating agencies use KPIs that are not relevant to emerging markets. 

In 2022, the Inclusive ESG Framework and Scoring Methodology developed by FII Institute met this need by answering the key question for investors: “What does good ESG performance look like in emerging markets?”

This year, with the unveiling of the Inclusive ESG Tool and Score, FII Institute recognized the need for metrics that are tailored specifically to the challenges of emerging markets. Its systematic materiality approach emphasizes industry risk, ensuring an equitable evaluation of companies operating within diverse sectors. To promote transparency and accuracy, the score differentiates performance and disclosure analytics.

The primary analytic of the toolkit is the Inclusive ESG Momentum Score, which integrates current performance and ongoing change in companies’ sustainability performance. It acknowledges corporate commitment in driving positive change by indicating future ESG performance. Combined with a company’s current ESG Performance Score and Disclosure Score, it provides a comprehensive and nuanced picture of corporate sustainability performance.

Based on the new score, FII Institute and ESG Book have co-developed a Top 250 Inclusive ESG Ranking to identify the most sustainable emerging markets companies. The ranking has launched alongside the new tool at FII Institute’s flagship conference in Riyadh, FII7, which takes place from 24 – 26 October 2023.

Richard Attias, CEO, FII Institute, said: “Our planet faces immense challenges, including global warming, a rapid decline in biodiversity, and an increasingly unbearable cost of living for many. However, we are not without the means to address these issues. Our global financial markets are more interconnected and driven by change than ever before. Investing in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives plays a pivotal role in the solution. These funds should be strategically directed toward emerging markets where their impact is most needed, all while ensuring the returns necessary for the vitality of these markets.”

Dr Daniel Klier, CEO, ESG Book, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with FII Institute to usher in a new approach to ESG data in emerging markets. The Inclusive ESG Score is a next generation tool for investors that identifies the sustainability leaders of today and tomorrow, with a transparent, data-driven approach that is tailored to emerging markets. Through this partnership, we look forward to providing a solution that enhances investment decision-making, and in turn helps to drive greater ESG investment flows to emerging market companies.”

References

1. In 2021, 3.4% of global ESG-based assets under management (AUM) were held in emerging markets, while 20.2% of total global AUM were held in emerging markets. This equates to a gap of USD $5.4 trillion. ESG Book, 2023.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information and for all media requests, please contact

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global, inclusive and driven by data, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions and actions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability. Learn more:  https://fii-institute.org/

About ESG Book

ESG Book is a global leader in sustainability data and technology, with a mission to transform finance through sustainability by making ESG data accessible, comparable, and transparent. ESG Book is the only provider in the world to combine a highly competitive, global sustainability dataset reported by corporates together with a disclosure platform. ESG Book’s solutions are used by many of the world’s largest financial organisations including Bloomberg, BNY Mellon, Citi, Dow Jones, JP Morgan, HSBC, and Glass Lewis. For more information, visit esgbook.com

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 26 2023

Final day of FII7 in Riyadh sees detailed debate on AI and trillions in investments for environment unlocked ahead of COP28 summit

• Special AI summit explored how AI will change finance, industry and human society

• Carbon summit saw Global South come together to shape carbon market frameworks to cultivate environmental investment

• ESG tool launched to reduce $5.4tn ESG investment gap in emerging markets

The final day of FII7 highlighted the new frontiers of investment and technology, focusing on space & aviation, biotech, cybersecurity, robotics, venture capital, start-up nations and more.

A special AI summit was undertaken, featuring a discussion in global AI regulations featuring Dr Eric Daimler, Co-Founder & CEO of Conexus, Michael Kratsios, Managing Director of Scale AI and H.E. Sebastian Kurz, Former Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria.

Other speakers included John Curtius, Founder Cedar Investment Management, Laurence Moroney, Lead AI Advocate and Google and Rami Qasem, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Beyond Limits.

The AI summit discussed recent data from Goldman Sachs Economics indicated that by 2025, AI-related global investment could reach $200bn, reflecting AI’s game-changing potential to revolutionize productivity and reshape business processes as it moves into broader economic and societal use.

Nicolas Carey, co-founder and Vice Chairman of Blockchain.com said “AI and the future of financial services will be highly correlated. It’s not coincidence that technologies like block chain and AI are emerging simultaneously,  they are highly symbiotic you need to have a lot of informatics and a lot of ability and ability to understand what these informatics are revealing to you.”

The discussions covered how global regulatory agencies, national legislators and standard development organisations are beginning to develop frameworks to maximize AI’s benefits to society, whilst mitigating known, and unknown, risks.

A special Global South Carbon Markets conference united stakeholders from the Global South under the banner of mutual collaboration to set a collective agenda and define desired outcomes ahead of COP 28.

The executive-level conference served as a platform for the Global South to come together with the shared goal of shaping the internal carbon market frameworks that align with their climate objectives and support biodiversity conservation, all within the context of advancing climate justice on a global scale.

On the final day of FII7, the Institute also unveiled its Inclusive ESG Tool and Score at the annual FII flagship conference to improve the quality of data on ESG in emerging markets and empower companies in these markets to receive financial flows. The initiative has been developed in partnership with ESG Book, a global leader in sustainability data and technology.

The FII Institute’s Inclusive ESG Tool has been developed to empower companies in these markets improve sustainability efforts and results while helping investors identify current and future performance leaders.

With the total of announcements made at FII7 reaching $17.9 Billion by the end of Day 3, the conference saw globally-relevant  announcements in a variety of sectors. The Public Investment Fund announced its partnership with Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli, committed to creating local manufacturing capabilities by building a tire manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. ACWA Power signed a financing agreement for a 240MW wind power project in Azerbaijan with the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and OPEC Fund for International Development.

FII Institute also added two new investments to its portfolio – reaching a total of nine investments in international startups aligned with the Institute’s ESG goals. The first investment, Plant Squad, is the Latinx market leader for plant-based alternative proteins, offering authentic flavors and healthier formulations than its competitors. Ultim, the second investment, is a global innovator in hydrogen fuel cells.

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute: “Over the past three days we have had world leaders, titans of finance and experts in their field who have not only been discussing, but identifying and agreeing to radical action to improve the investment landscape, boost economies, galvanise support, and ultimately improve the world. FII is soon to move from the Middle East to the Far East with our FII PRIORITY Summit in Hong Kong December 7^th and 8^th and we will be continuing our mission to transform the lives – and futures – of human beings worldwide.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

In the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States, and member of the Board of Trustees of the FII Institute, announced today the launch of the WAVE initiative by FII Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and its ecosystem. The WAVE Initiative aims to coordinate efforts to accelerate ocean regeneration and restore its environmental and ecological balance. The announcement took place during the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative conference, held in Riyadh during October 24-26, 2023.

The WAVE Initiative aims to support international efforts on ocean regeneration and preserving ocean sustainability, considering its vital importance in maintaining environmental and climate balance and its significant impact on the global economy.

WAVE will serve as a platform, connecting diverse stakeholders across geographies, industries, and sectors, to amplify their collective efforts. It will launch a set of programs to raise awareness, establish a digital information hub, accelerate innovations, support scientific efforts, and build partnerships to find solutions for pollution and achieve environmental balance in oceans.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, affirmed that the partnership of the energy ecosystem with the institute stems from its commitment to supporting all environmental solutions, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting efforts in addressing climate change challenges. HRH also pointed out that the energy sector prioritizes environmental commitments and implements the highest global standards in this field.

On this regard, HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar stated, “Oceans and seas play a crucial role in the lives, health, and well-being of humanity, directly impacting the overall health, well-being, and economy of the world. This initiative seeks to build connections and harmony among various international efforts, aiming to achieve its ambitious and yet attainable goal of environmentally regenerating the oceans within one generation.”

She also noted that this initiative is launched with the support from FII Institute and the energy ecosystem, and it is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Kingdom’s ambitious environmental efforts under Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives and related projects.

Princess Reema pointed out that WAVE aspires to become a global initiative gathering all stakeholders across the world since the challenges that the oceans face today are not confined to one geography but present a collective global challenges. She also expressed her gratitude for the partnerships between WAVE and various Saudi and international entities and welcomed other entities to “Join the WAVE” adding that “We are especially proud of the radical collaboration across industries as it highlights the intentional efforts to transform how organizations are prioritizing the health of our planet.”

Princess Reema further added that the “number of signed partnerships in the first phase of WAVE reflects the interest in finding solutions for the challenges the oceans face today due to its direct economic impact,” further stressing that “we need global awareness to balance between the development needs of various countries and ocean sustainability, as is clear in the example of recycling waste instead of ocean and river dumping that severely harms the environment and causes imbalance in oceans.”

It is noteworthy that the WAVE initiative was announced during a partnership signing ceremony in the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, Richard Attias, FII Institute CEO, H.E Faisal Al Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and H.E Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

The 22 partnerships are with: the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Aramco, SABIC, MA’ADEN, NEOM, and Red Sea Global as Anchor partners. The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Environment Fund, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and OceanX as Strategic partners. In addition, the partnerships included the Saudi Electric Company, the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, the Saudi Esports Federation, the Saudi Premier League, Mukatafa, CORDAP, Oceans 2050 and Noon as Initiative partners.

Also, Tonomous by NEOM, the Arab National Bank, and WEConnect International as program partners.

Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute, said “Our oceans, the heartbeats of our planet, are gasping under unparalleled threats. As a scuba diver, I can tell that every moment we delay, a piece of our marine soul withers. Yet, in these dire times lies a chance – not just to shield the intricate dance of marine life, but to embrace the vast promise of a harmonious blue economy. It’s more than an obligation; it’s our legacy for the children of tomorrow.”

The WAVE initiative will be guided by a council including HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al Saud, President of the Saudi Watersports and Diving Federation, Professor Carlos Duarte, an international expert in biological oceanography and marine ecology, and Alexandra Cousteau, an expert and global advocate for ocean restoration.

WAVE will strive to achieve its objectives through various programs under 5 pillars which are:

1. Insights, building a global digital information hub that will facilitate scientific research and bridge the data gap in this field.
2. Engagement, launching circular campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to tackle the challenges that impact the ocean and seas.
3. Innovation, driving technological efforts and startup support to find solutions addressing ocean-related challenges, which would drive clean technology innovation and adoption.
4. Thought Leadership, fostering global connections among thought leaders and strengthen partnership frameworks by organizing meetings and conferences.
5. Resources, facilitating access to resources and establish connections between relevant entities and individuals through a digital hub.

Riyadh, 25 October 2023

Global poll sampling 50,000 people from 23 countries highlights increasing discontent across a range of issues.

A global survey commissioned by non-profit Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, in partnership with Accenture is released today.  It identifies predominant issues of concern to citizens across the world. 

The survey, known as the FII PRIORITY Compass, is an annual research exercise which polls individuals from a range of ages, backgrounds and countries, informing policy development and providing data for leaders, CEOs, policy makers, and organizations to identify with accuracy the sentiments of 60% of the world’s population.

The data plays a vital role in shaping year-round discussions, policy advisory, and investment decisions at the FII Institute.  The institute is dedicated to addressing common issues facing humanity, such as economic growth, prosperity, climate change, technology regulation and equitable access to healthcare and education.

This year’s FII PRIORITY Compass report identifies several key issues, common to communities across the world:

• A 20% drop in people’s satisfaction with their personal lives compared to 2022
• 65% are distressed about cost of living and quality of life
• 38% report social disconnection and lack of inclusion as a priority concern
• Pollution is a concern for 75%
• 44% globally are concerned about how to afford healthcare
• Whilst 72% of those surveyed recognise that technology has democratised access to information, 47% of Africans worry about misleading information

At the FII7 summit currently underway in Riyadh (24 -26 October) 6,000 leaders, investors, experts, academics and innovators are taking part in over 200 panels and discussions designed to tackle the big issues facing humanity. This research will inform these discussions by providing essential insights into the actual issues that impact everyday people.

FII7 happens one month after world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and six weeks after G20 leaders met in New Delhi.  It happens four weeks before world leaders gather to discuss climate action at COP28.

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute says:

“The 50,000 people we surveyed in 23 countries give us unparalleled insights into what matters to humanity.  We will now investigate everything that we are hearing.  At FII7 next week our data-driven agenda will help formulate initiatives and develop resolutions for action. With many of the world’s leaders and biggest investors in the room we can play our part in shaping a better and safer world.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Riyadh, October 25, 2023

The FII Institute, the global non-profit organization that brings people together to deliver actionable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, is proud to announce the launch of four initiatives on three continents that will have long-lasting and sustainable impact for thousands of people in local communities.

In Brazil, FII Institute has partnered with ARCA, a grassroots community-based organization aiming to increase access to digital devices amongst youth, young adults and entrepreneurs in the oldest favela of São Paulo. The initiative will benefit 80 children and teenagers enrolled in school, 150 youths and adults in professional training, and 10 small business entrepreneurs. Some 8,000 people who live in the favela are involved in the initiative.

In Kenya, FII Institute has joined KenyaConnect to launch two initiatives in sustainability and education in rural Kenya.

• In education, FII Institutewill help equip three schools in rural areas with computer labs and equipment to catalyze their coding and robotics clubs. Three schools with 875 students and 40 teachers will have access to digital learning, with another three primary schools with 671 students also involved in the project.

• In sustainability, FII Institute will provide reliable access to clean water to 26 schools in rural Kenya by installing 26 tanks to collect rainwater. This initiative will directly benefit 6500 students and teachers who currently lack ready access to clean and drinkable water.

In India, FII-Institute has partnered with Grameena Vikas Kendram Society in a project to provide sustainable drinking water to rural communities in Andhra Pradesh by providing clean drinking water in villages through installing advanced water filters. The project will directly benefit 225 families, or more than a thousand individuals, who currently face challenges in accessing clean water supplies.

Richard Attias, CEO of Future Investment Initiative Institute:

“FII Institute is proud to back these valuable projects, which will directly benefit thousands of people at the grassroots level. The Institute’s mission is to bring about meaningful and impactful solutions to real-world challenges, and these initiatives are the perfect illustration of that philosophy in action.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 25 2023

At the Future Investment Initiative (FII), a global summit, in Riyadh today, leading international figures including ministers from Europe, the Middle East, and an African head of state looked at new principles that can help strengthen the international economy amidst the growing volatility and disruption seen over this decade. 

The second day of the FII, entitled A New Vision Manifest, gave a focus to the challenges and opportunities available to emerging economies.  Giving the stage to new “middle powers” such as, Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa, and the summit looked at ways to improve domestic economies and international trade amidst more challenging economic headwinds, and the ongoing need for critical climate solutions.

In the day’s major morning discussion, the Minister of Finance for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, andH.E. Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Finance, Republic of Türkiye along with ministers from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom explored how to improve global trade, which declined to 1.7% in 2023 from 2.7% in the previous year.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund said, “One of the big changes happening in a world of repetitive exogenous shocks – Covid, war, cost of living crisis – is the increase in our financial strength. Even in a world of more geopolitical tensions, we are able to take decisions to make the firm stronger.”

In a lunchtime special session, President Paul Kagame gave an address to delegates to highlight how his country has become a continental economic success story, but sounded a warning about what is required for the future.  President Kagame said: “We hope that more Africans can work together and make the investment as ourselves we made to others. It is also about cooperation.  I want Africa to be able to work with the rest of the world to benefit each other in the best way possible, based on choices that we make, as to how we can move forward”.

The second day of FII7 also featured a summit on AI and crucial discussions about how AI could and should be regulated, applied, developed and implemented in a wide range of applications for the benefit of human beings in areas such as health, finance and environmental management.

The theme of cross-cultural collaboration was also highlighted in an afternoon session featuring French footballer, Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad and formerly of Real Madrid, and former FIA President and UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt.  The panellists discussed how governments and institutions can harness sport’s unparalleled influence to demonstrate visionary leadership, inspire citizens, and ultimately bring the world closer together.

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute said:

“This year, our data shows a dramatic drop in life satisfaction across the world. We surveyed 53,000 people in 23 countries and the results of our Priority Compass report make sobering reading. This data has informed many of the deliberations and conversations here at FII this week. With the world’s leaders and biggest investors in the room and innovation continuing apace, it is our responsibility to humanity to act with vigour and speed.”

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Riyadh, October 24 2023

• Delegates call for new global compass to boost economic environment and supercharge renewable energy investments

• CEOs warn that geopolitical environment presents major challenges ahead but compelling investment opportunities abound

• World Bank President Ajay Banga commits resources to tackling climate change in addition to eradicating poverty, as summit wrestles with a new vision for humanity

The opening day of the seventh Future Investment Initiative (FII7) saw a firm focus on how the global community can successfully navigate the emerging new norms of relations amidst instability, climate concerns and social inequality with delegates agreeing with calls for a new “global compass” in order to incentivise and support investment opportunities.

Leading a panel of changemakers, that included Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO, JP Morgan Chase & Co and Laurence D. Fink, Chairman & CEO, BlackRock, H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor for Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, outlined a course through these unmapped waters, and how to convert challenges into opportunities for growth, impact, and resilience, particularly in relation to the Kingdom’s renewable energy ambitions.

H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “What we are doing in KSA is a good model for the world. By 2030, we want 50 per cent of our power generation to be based on renewable energy and the other 50 per cent will be based on gas which emits less than liquid. We have to invest more in renewable energy. If you look at the targets, by 2045, $283 trillion dollars that need to be invested cumulatively from 2020”

Ray Dalio, Founder, CIO Mentor & Member of the Board, Bridgewater Associates, LP said: “What we see today and as we go into US elections which are going to be over irreconcilable differences over wealth and power. Look at geopolitical issues and climate issues. Climate issue will cost us $5-10 trillion dollars a year in world GDP. It must be addressed.”

Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan said “Fiscal spending is higher than it’s ever been in peacetime, by a significant margin. A 25 basis-point rate hike won’t make much of a difference, but a 100 basis-point shift across the yield curve would. What we see today resembles the 1970s—a lot of spending. Governments are pushing for ESG, but without implementing carbon taxes or a rational strategy.”

With energy a major theme for the day, the crucial need to supercharge the transition to greater greener energy leads the FII’s special Energy Summit.  This explored the extent to which the Paris Agreement goals can align with economic growth, the role technology is likely to play in eliminating greenhouse gases, and the pace of global decarbonization.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman AlSaud, Minister of Energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a clarion call said: “The Kingdom has demonstrated not just a transition, but an aspiration to be a model for how a hydrocarbon economy can evolve. We’re aiming for the trilemma: energy security, affordability, and economic growth. On the sustainability front, our commitment to the Paris Agreement is unwavering. We not only signed it, but meticulously negotiated every detail. Execution of these commitments isn’t optional; it’s obligatory.”

Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank added: “The new mission of the World Bank is to focus not just on eradicating poverty and sharing prosperity, but on [ensuring] a liveable planet and addressing the world’s intertwined crises and challenges.”

At the Future Investment Initiative summit underway in Riyadh (24 -26 October) 6,000 leaders, investors and innovators from around the globe are taking part in over 200 panels and discussions designed to tackle the biggest issues facing humanity’s health, prosperity and survival. 

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute said: “The future of values for humanity is a future that embraces empathy, inclusivity, tolerance, knowledge, ethics and peace. It is a future where we recognize our shared responsibility to care for our planet and each other.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 24 2023

At the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh today, a global summit, leaders and investors have today resolved to tackle ESG shortcomings in the form of a Resolution to Increase ESG Investment in Emerging Markets.

The Resolution to Increase ESG Investment in Emerging Markets, will see the FII Institute convening leaders and investors from the west, east and Global South to take collective action on inequities in current ESG frameworks.

Emerging markets are home to 86% of the world’s population and responsible for 58% of global GDP, yet they receive less than 10% of all ESG investments. As the growth engine of the future this is far from the scale necessary for sustainable growth and insufficient to meet the $2.5 to $3.7 trillion annual investment gap needed to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries.

Recognising current limitations of ESG data tools, the Resolution calls for:

• Commitment by FII Institute partners to implement an inclusive ESG methodology with the goal of increasing AUM in Emerging Markets to 30 per cent of global sustainability portfolios by 2030;
• Urgent adoption of international sustainability disclosure standards across emerging and developed markets;
• Recognition of the forthcoming roll-out of the International Sustainability Standards Board IFRS-1 and IFRS-2 as crucial steps that will improve ESG inclusiveness and data quality;
• market participants to report and provide the data the world needs to make better and more efficient investment choices.

The FII Institute will continue to use its convening power to promote the agenda of inclusive ESG in PRIORITY Summits around the world to exhort government and the private financial sector to meet this challenge.

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute said:

“A bias at the centre of the world’s most dominant ESG ratings is taking $trillions away from developing markets, which are the growth engines of the global economy. Existing ESG data tools discriminate against tme in favour of developed markets. If they are to ever fulfil their original purpose of powering a more sustainable future, we need widespread adoption of inclusivity, so ESG truly benefits every country, every region, and the entire world.”

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: +966 53 978 2030

Email: Media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.