Events

Prof. Phoebe Koundouri participated in the Pre-COP30 Conference at Alexandria University, organized by the International Dryland Development Commission (IDDC), the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the Regional Action for Climate Change (RACC, STS Japan), and the African League of Young Masters (ALYM), and hosted by Alexandria University. This two-day dialogue convened leaders, experts, youth, and policymakers to address the urgent climate crisis through finance, policy, and intergenerational collaboration.

Day 1 – Finance Panel (13 September): “The Issues of Finance”

Chaired by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Board of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), Founding Director Emeritus of the Library of Alexandria, and former Vice President of the World Bank.

Panelists:

• Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business & University of Cambridge; President, World Council of Environmental and Natural Resource Economists Associations; Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub; Director, AE4RIA

• Dr. Hafez Ghanem, Vice-President for Africa, World Bank Group

• Dr. Omar El-Arini, Honorary Chief Officer, Multilateral Fund Secretariat

The discussion addressed the urgent need to mobilize trillions for climate action through blended finance, public de-risking, and concessional loans to unlock private investment. A central theme was climate justice: those least responsible for emissions face the gravest consequences, while historically high-emission nations bear responsibility for financing adaptation, compensating loss and damage, and transferring clean technologies.

Representing the SDSN Global Climate Hub, supported by AE4RIA – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria – Prof. Koundouri emphasized the importance of connecting science, policy, and finance to tangible climate solutions. She echoed the words of the COP30 Presidency letter: “We have the agency and responsibility to evolve from competition to symbiosis.”

Day 2 – Political Strategy Panel (14 September)

The second day focused on the pressing need for a new political strategy to address climate change in a fractured world. Despite decades of international agreements, emissions continue to rise, fossil fuels still account for 82% of energy consumption, and global warming remains on track to reach 3.7°C. The panel emphasized empowering youth, civil society, and governments to move beyond unfulfilled promises and drive meaningful change.

Climate action demands finance, strategy, and collaboration across generations. Prof. Koundouri expressed deep appreciation to the organizers and participants for their insightful contributions and commitment.

The SDSN Global Climate Hub, supported by AE4RIA, continues its mission to bridge science, finance, and policy in order to transform climate ambition into concrete action.