DIFC, Candriam join to offer free-to-access sustainable investment training platform

In line with Dubai’s vision to become the region’s most sustainable financial city, the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Academy has partnered with Candriam Academy, a global multi-asset manager to offer the world’s first free-to-access accredited training platform for sustainable and responsible investing.

The current partnership deal between the DIFC and Candriam is following the UAE Vision 2021 to develop a knowledge-based economy by boosting the local capabilities and increasing investment in education.

Candriam Investors Group, a subsidiary of New York Life Investments, is considered as a leader in sustainable investing, integrating ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) factors across all its investment processes and managing more than $50 billion in pure ESG funds and mandate managing. 

In 2017, the asset management company initiated the Candriam Academy to increase awareness, education and knowledge on sustainable investing through an innovative online platform of inspiring and actionable content and materials. The academy which is free of charge and open to all now serves 5,550 members from more than 30 countries.

The program by DIFC and Candriam consists of eight modules that have been accredited by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department and the partnership will enable the DIFC community to deepen their understanding of investments in a more sustainable environment.

“DIFC is playing a central role for Dubai becoming the region’s most sustainable financial city and shaping the future of finance. Our collaboration with Candriam will help us achieve these ambitions whilst equipping the next generation of talent with the necessary skills to lead the transformation of the financial sector. We look forward to working with Candriam and supporting local talent while enhancing our knowledge-based economy in the country.”

Commenting on the partnership, David Czupryna, Head of ESG Development at Candriam stated that, “Investors and the financial sector at large have a central role to play in allocating capital differently, thus developing a sustainable and responsible economy. We are pleased to be partnering with DIFC Academy and look forward to sharing our expertise on responsible investing with members of DIFC’s community.”

DIFC Academy 

Established in 2015, as an independent entity the DIFC Academy offers a wide range of impactful, regionally relevant executive education programs by partnering with internationally recognized business schools, professional development providers and other training academies. The facility located at the heart of DIFC allows engaging with over 24,000 professionals working across 2,200 companies.