By investing in education as the foundation of meaningful change, DIFC hopes to prepare a new generation of changemakers who can drive the region’s sustainable transformation
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched a bold new initiative aimed at transforming sustainability education across the region and beyond. Called the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative, it seeks to equip one million individuals with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement was made during the Dubai FinTech Summit held at Madinat Jumeirah, reflecting DIFC’s ongoing commitment to advancing a financial ecosystem that supports environmental and social responsibility.
As global economies increasingly prioritize sustainability in their growth strategies, understanding sustainable finance has become critical to building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready societies. DIFC’s latest initiative aims to address this need by making sustainability education more accessible and impactful for a diverse audience of professionals, students, and industry leaders. By investing in education as the foundation of meaningful change, DIFC hopes to prepare a new generation of changemakers who can drive the region’s sustainable transformation.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of education in achieving real impact. “DIFC is proud to be leading the way in advancing sustainability in the region,” he said. “The ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative is a testament to our belief that real impact begins with education. By working closely with our valued partners, we are making sustainability knowledge more accessible and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global sustainable transformation.”
Backing the initiative is a coalition of 28 founding partners, representing a wide range of sectors and industries. These partners include globally recognized institutions such as the London Stock Exchange Group, Mastercard, Visa, CFA Institute, Emirates NBD, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, among others. This diverse alliance underscores the broad-based commitment to advancing sustainability knowledge and fostering collaboration to achieve common goals.
Together with these partners, DIFC plans to redefine how sustainability education is delivered at scale. The focus will be on providing high-quality, accessible learning experiences that empower individuals to understand and implement sustainable finance principles in their work and communities. The initiative is expected to create meaningful change by equipping professionals with the tools they need to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making and business strategies.
To ensure the programme’s success is measurable and transparent, DIFC has appointed GIST Impact as its impact partner. GIST Impact is a global leader in total impact assessment, with more than 17 years of experience in quantifying environmental, social, and economic outcomes. The organization uses science-based methodologies aligned with leading global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
GIST Impact’s role will be to evaluate the initiative’s progress and communicate its impact effectively. Their expertise in translating social outcomes—such as improved access to education, equity, and livelihoods—into measurable insights will help ensure the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative not only achieves scale but also delivers meaningful benefits for communities, particularly in underserved regions where access to education can transform lives.
By combining a robust coalition of partners, cutting-edge education delivery, and rigorous impact measurement, DIFC’s ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative is positioned to become a game-changer in sustainable finance education. It is an ambitious step toward creating a more sustainable future, one learner at a time.
