Dubai International Financial Centre Launches ‘1 Million Learners’ Initiative
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative as part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst. This initiative aims to equip one million individuals with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. The announcement took place during the Dubai FinTech Summit at Madinat Jumeirah.
This initiative is a reflection of DIFC’s commitment to creating a financial ecosystem that promotes environmental and social responsibility. As economies increasingly integrate sustainability into their growth models, it is essential to enhance understanding of sustainable finance to build inclusive, resilient, and future-ready societies.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, stated, “DIFC is proud to be leading the way in advancing sustainability in the region. 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.”
The initiative is supported by a coalition of 28 founding partners, which include leading organizations committed to advancing sustainability knowledge. Notable partners are:
- AICPA & CIMA
- C3
- Candriam
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Clean Energy Business Council
- CFA Institute
- DesignThinkers Group
- Dubai Business Associates
- Edinburgh Business School – Heriot-Watt University
- Emirates NBD
- Expo City Dubai
- GIST Impact
- Global Capacity Building Coalition
- Global Climate Finance Centre
- Global Ethical Finance Initiative
- Global Shapers Dubai Hub
- Institute of Management Accountants
- International Finance Corporation
- London Stock Exchange Group
- Mastercard
- Oxford & Cambridge Society of the UAE
- Principles for Responsible Investment
- S&P Global
- Stashaway
- United Nations Development Programme
- World Green Economy Organisation
- Visa
In collaboration with its partners, DIFC seeks to redefine how sustainability education is delivered at scale, preparing a new generation of professionals to drive impactful change.
To ensure the programme achieves measurable outcomes, DIFC has appointed GIST Impact as its impact partner. Recognized as a global leader in total impact assessment, GIST Impact brings more than 17 years of experience in quantifying environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
GIST Impact’s science-based methodologies align with prominent global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This partnership will aid DIFC in evaluating the initiative’s impact and communicating its progress effectively.
In addition, GIST Impact’s expertise in translating social outcomes, such as improved access to education, equity, and livelihoods into measurable insights, will ensure the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative scales effectively while delivering meaningful benefits, especially to underserved communities.
