Day 3: Finance & Economy
The transition to a sustainable economy depends on smart financial strategies. This day will bring together investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore how funding mechanisms can accelerate the shift toward a green economy.
Since the venue has limited seating, tickets will be given through a lottery system. If you've been accepted to join us at this DC Climate Week's hub location, you will be notified by April 22nd.
Day 3 Agenda
9:30AM – 10:00AM | Registration + Networking
10:00AM – 10:30AM | Welcome + Opening Keynote
Opening Keynote from Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF
10:30AM – 11:20AM | Tapping the Urban Mine: Incentivizing & Scaling Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Led by members of the Circular Supply Chain Coalition, this session will provide key insights, implementation best practices, and context on the latest developments taking place at the intersection of critical mineral supply chains, decarbonization, and environmental justice. Consisting of corporate leaders from leading logistics and technology companies, policymakers and curators from the EU and the United States, and key voices from the environmental justice community, this interactive session will allow you to engage all stakeholders across the supply chain.
Speakers:
John Holm, Senior Vice President, Partnership Development, Pyxera (moderator)
Vanessa Miler-Fels, CSO, Schneider Electric
Rachel Kibbe, CEO of Circular Services Group
Alan Young, Canada Rep
Francesco Maria Graziani, EU Delegation to the United States
11:20AM – 12:00PM | Unlocking Capital for Conservation and Climate Resilience
Through a panel discussion with The Nature Conservancy, we’ll examine how capital can be mobilized to support conservation efforts through debt-for-nature swaps, bridge funding gaps, and ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Speakers:
Campbell Moore, Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy
Pajani Singah, Co-Founder, Amazonia Impact Ventures
Andrew Don, Director, Cordillera
David Akana, Program Director, Mongabay Africa (moderator)
12:00PM – 12:30PM | Fair Finance for a Just Transition: Accountability in Global South Investments
Join Aly Rahim Zulfycar (World Bank) and the Global Witness Foundation for a discussion on ensuring transparency and impact in climate finance. Drawing from ongoing research, the panel will explore strategies to boost investor confidence, align funding with just transition goals, and scale investments for the energy transition in emerging markets.
Speakers:
Aly Rahim Zulficar, Program Manager, Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA), World Bank
Vidya Viswanathan, Director, Global Witness Foundation (moderator)
12:30PM – 1:30PM | Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:25PM | Interactive Activity: Bridging the Funding Gap in Climate Innovation
Join this interactive session hosted by CIFAR where participants simulate decision-making for seed funding allocations, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration.
Speakers
Nelly Ramírez-Moncada, CIFAR Secretariat Co-Lead
Amolo Ngweno, CEO of BFA Global (moderator)
Amanda Lonsdale, CEO, Magnitude Global Finance
Daniel Block, Partner, Mercy Corp Ventures
CJ Juhasz, Managing Partner, WWB Asset Management
Michelle Lee, Senior Analyst, Climate Policy Initiative
2:25PM – 3:25PM | Financing the Future: Building a Resilient Small Business Economy Through Green Investment
Join WACIF for a panel on green financing solutions for small businesses. Explore strategies to expand capital access, support sustainability initiatives, and leverage local and federal funding. The session will also highlight new research on how local organizations can enhance their support for businesses committed to environmental responsibility.
Speakers:
Shannan Herbert, CEO, WACIF (moderator)
Sri Sekar, Chief Investment Officer, DC Greenbank
Megan Carras, Head of Sustainability, WACIF
JB Behrens, Capital Innovation Lead & Loan Officer, Latino Economic Development Center
3:25PM – 4:20PM | VC Insights for a Sustainable Future
Venture capital is playing a pivotal role in scaling climate solutions—from carbon removal to clean energy and sustainable agriculture. This panel brings together top climate investors to explore where capital is flowing, how impact is measured, and what it takes for startups to succeed. Join us for a candid conversation on the risks, returns, and realities of funding a net-zero future.
Speakers:
Nick Albanese, VP of Research and Strategy, The Westly Group
Kevin Webb, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Superorganism
Lee Scott, Principal, Trellis Climate
4:20PM – 5:00PM | Fireside Chat: The Intersection of Climate Finance and Hunger
Join Bread for the World for a fireside chat exploring the critical intersection of climate finance and global hunger. This timely discussion will feature Rev. Eugene Cho, CEO of Bread for the World, in conversation with Kavita Sinhaof the Green Climate Fund, bringing together deep expertise on financial solutions for food security and climate resilience.
Speakers:
Kavita Sinha, the Director of the Private Sector Facility, CEO Green Climate Fund
Rev. Eugene Cho, CEO of Bread for the World (moderator)
5:00PM – 5:20PM | Closing Remarks
Speakers:, Moderated by
Jackie Roberts, Independent Director & Advisor, Alcoa, PurposeBuilt Brands
Angela Barranco, Executive Director for North America, Climate Group (Moderator)
5:20PM | Closing Happy Hour Reception
The speakers and organizations participating during the DC Climate Week event do not represent the views of the event space hosts or DC Climate Week.