Programme

Global supply chains are one of the best use cases for large-scale electrification today. Companies share their experiences with innovative and efficient transport solutions and their potential to transform a sector facing low margins.

The Nordics are at the forefront when it comes to digitizing the construction and property sector. With simple and smart digital platforms, work and processes are structured to become more sustainable, productive, and compliant. 

Financing the transformation of road freight will show how the sector is booming with opportunities and the world shifts to new transportation systems. With technology at the forefront, it is possible to tackle a 4 trillion dollar market and impact 8% of global CO2 emissions.

Today 14% of the global CO2 emissions comes from transports. At the same time transports are necessary for our society to function. Driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system demands a transformation that is as radical as when we left the horse and carriage to start using the combustion engine. This seminar will discuss how different parts of the transport value chain can and must contribute to be successful in sustainable transports.

UN’s latest Global Stocktake report shows that the world is simply not doing enough. Promises are not kept, commitments are watered down and there’s a general lack of urgency in the face of the climate crisis. 

Ships can burn as much as 6% of fuel waiting in port and are emitting CO2. Depending on the industry segment, some ships might spend half their lifetime in ports due to complex port operations and waiting, emitting unnecessary and hazardous carbon emissions into the atmosphere. 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is excited to announce the official launch of "On Equal Terms: A checklist for decision makers & practitioners on a youth-inclusive NDC process."

The transition away from fossil fuels is an imperative to limit global warming close to 1.5°C. Given the pressing need to phase out fossil fuels, companies have a crucial role to rapidly phase out fossil fuels from their value chains, to put positive pressure on governments, and send a clear signal that we have entered “the beginning of the end” of the fossil era. This session, complementing the Fossil to Clean campaign and the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty, will showcase examples of companies that have committed to map fossil fuels in their value chains and are taking concrete steps to eliminate these emissions. By sharing their experiences and best practices, these companies demonstrate that this transition is not only achievable but is also desirable from a competitive viewpoint. 

Just Transition is the notion that a green transition must take into account intersectional socio-economic imperatives in order to bring forth a future that is both fair and sustainable for everyone. The ongoing climate, political, economic and social crises across the Middle East and North Africa have made such a process an absolute necessity.

This side event at the Conference of Parties 28 aims to highlight the pivotal role of youth in Africa and Europe in advancing the Energy Transition and Climate Justice

This panel will explore how different stakeholders (government, technology developers and society) might respond to the challenge of achieving global net-zero emissions and what the uncertainties are.

The global energy transition is already underway, but the urgency of climate change demands that it reaches a larger scale and a higher pace. Carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can help provide the finance and capacity needed to accomplish that. 

Viable Cities and the European Commission’s representation in Sweden in partnership with Sweden’s pavilion at COP28 are pleased to invite you to the sixth European Viable Cities Day on December 8, 2023 – a bridge between the Swedish and European efforts towards the mission of climate neutral and sustainable cities by 2030. With seven years to go to reach the mission of climate neutral cities, action is needed now. Radical implementation is of the essence. The movement to accelerate the climate transition and pave the way for many others is growing and gaining momentum. At European Viable Cities Day, 23 Swedish cities representing 40% of the Swedish population, six government agencies and high level representatives from business and academia gathers to make this happen. This year, Stockholm and Madrid have received the official EU Mission Label as the first two European capitals. During the event, there will be a special ceremony to highlight this achievement, as well as the signing ceremony of the Swedish Climate City Contracts. Viable Cities is a Swedish national innovation platform and Sweden's biggest initiative for Climate Neutral Cities, jointly funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova and Formas. 

Sweden is committed to having net-zero emissions by 2045. This target requires a substantial transformation of all levels of society. As part of this mission, the Swedish Parliament in 2017 adopted a climate policy framework for Sweden. The framework includes climate goals, a Climate Act and the Swedish Climate Policy Councill.

This session will discuss the transformative potential of circular practices within the food supply chain for mitigating climate change and preserving natural ecosystems. 

To limit global warming close to 1.5°C, the transition away from fossil fuels is an imperative. This imperative is also recognized in the recommendations of the UN secretary general’s High-Level Expert Group for net zero commitments, HLEG.

Why does sustainable forest management play a key role in battling the climate crisis and how can active forest management improve productivity: challenges and solutions from Sweden and South Africa, from a global south and global north perspective. 

The Food- Water -Energy NEXUS with a focus on the Aquaculture Todays linear system causes challenges in the fjords where the Oslo bay already is dead and now we see accelerating challenges in other Norwegian fjords.

Europe is facing major challenges in the energy and heating sector due to its dependence on Russian gas. Security of supply is an emerging issue, decarbonization and the green transition needs to happen to reach the Paris agreement of 1,5. In the same time European countries are not using its resources to its full potential. 

Biodiversity loss is a global crisis that demands urgent attention and action from all sectors of society, including businesses. This panel discussion will convene experts and sustainability leaders to explore the intersection of biodiversity conservation and corporate strategy. The discussion will emphasize practical solutions and actions that businesses can undertake to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations and contribute to a sustainable future.