The move towards a sustainable economy is no longer alien to the core of the world of finance, but is its main vector of transformation. We are witnessing a growing wave in which more and more companies and large capitals are strategically investing in projects aimed at minimizing their environmental footprint and, in turn, integrating and promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria throughout their entire value chain. This paradigm shift redefines capital flows at a global level. The central challenge today is twofold. On the one hand, the scope of these investments needs to be expanded, making them accessible to a broader spectrum of the economy. On the other hand, it is imperative to delve into its real impact, ensuring that it translates into tangible benefits for both the productive economy and people’s quality of life. Current indicators reflect the magnitude of this trend. Different reports place the total volume of sustainable finance markets at around seven trillion dollars worldwide in 2024. Estimates for the coming years start from a conservative growth of 10% annually, although many scenarios project increases of up to 20% annually. To delve deeper into the future of this trend, EL PAÍS and Acciona will hold the Second Sustainable Finance Conference this Wednesday, December 17, which will be inaugurated by Soledad Núñez, deputy governor of the Bank of Spain. The day can be followed in person at Ephimera Goya 36 (Goya, 36) and live on this newspaper’s website and on its social networks, starting at 10 a.m. After the opening message, two round tables will be held. In the first, under the title Promote sustainable transformation from finance, there will be Pilar Sánchez de Ibargüen, Director of Financing at Acciona; Helena Viñes, advisor to the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) and president of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance; Javier Molero, director of projects and Agenda 2030 of the UN Global Compact Spain, and Lola Solana, president of the Spanish Institute of Analysts. In the second round table, titled In search of investments with a purpose, Jaime Ramos, manager of the Bestinver Megatendencias fund, will participate; Juan Pedro Gómez, professor of Finance at the IE Business School, IE University; Claudia Antuña, partner and Sustainability expert at Afi, and Natalia Fabra, advisor and president of the sustainability commission at Redeia and Professor of Economics at the Center for Monetary and Financial Studies (CEMFI). The event will conclude with an intervention by Carla Díaz, general director of the Treasury and Financial Policy (Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business), and will be led entirely by the journalist Marta González Novo. The conference aims to provide keys to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of sustainable finance at a decisive moment for its consolidation as a vector of economic and social change.
