The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative will be in Yerevan, Armenia, for the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17), co-hosting four events on how capital markets can help finance nature and support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The events bring together stock exchanges, regulators, standard setters, investors, board directors and policymakers, from the Blue Zone to the regional market. Find out below what is happening, when, and how to take part.
Why stock exchanges?
Since 2009, the UN SSE has worked with stock exchanges because they sit at the centre of capital markets. Through their listing rules, disclosure guidance, indices, market segments and training, exchanges reach listed companies, investors, banks, brokers, regulators and other market participants at once. When an exchange acts, the whole market pays attention. That is why we help exchanges put global standards, frameworks and guidelines into practice in their markets. Today more than 130 exchanges are SSE Partner Exchanges, each committed at CEO or Board Chair level to promoting sustainable investment and better disclosure.
Through the SSE Academy, the UN SSE offers expert-led, CPD-certified, donor-funded training that exchanges host free of charge for their markets. More than 70 exchanges have brought this training to over 60,000 market participants in more than 150 countries and territories. This year, together with the TNFD, the SSE began dedicated training on managing and reporting nature-related issues. By the close of COP17 the SSE together with its partners will have held 14 TNFD workshops, reaching more than 4,000 market participants. If your organisation develops standards, tools or guidance and wants them to reach entire markets, or if you would like to support this work as a donor, we would welcome the conversation. Please get in touch at [email protected]
UN SSE's COP17 Agenda
Systems change through central organisations: Advancing sustainability practices in business and finance
Date and time: Thursday 22 October, 10:00–10:45 (Yerevan time)
Location: Blue Zone Multistakeholder Area, Business and Finance Hub, Meridian Expo and Event Center
This panel examines how capital market infrastructure, including listing rules, disclosure standards and market instruments, can accelerate finance toward nature-positive outcomes. Drawing on examples of exchange- and regulator-led action already underway, panelists will discuss what is working, where the gaps remain, and what is needed to make nature a mainstream driver of capital allocation. The session speaks directly to GBF Targets 14, 15 and 19.
How to participate: If you hold a COP17 Blue Zone pass, come and join the conversation. No registration is required.
Event page: SSEinitiative.org/sse-event/systems-change-through-central-organizations
From Risk to Opportunity: How Stock Exchanges Can Mainstream Nature in Capital Markets
Date and time: Saturday 24 October, 12:30–13:30 (Yerevan time)
Location: Holiday Inn Yerevan Republic Square
Co-hosts: UN SSE, TNFD, WBCSD and PRI
How can exchanges integrate nature into markets? This session explores the practical levers, from listing rules and disclosure requirements to indices and capacity building, that can embed nature-related risks and opportunities in capital markets, alongside climate. The event will launch the SSE Action Plan on Nature: How Exchanges Can Integrate Nature into Markets, a roadmap for exchanges and regulators. Speakers include leaders from TNFD, the ISSB, UNEP FI, WBCSD and the Armenia, Botswana and Shenzhen stock exchanges.
How to participate: Registration is required through the TNFD Hive event page
Event page: SSEinitiative.org/sse-event/COP17-stock-exchanges-nature-capital-markets
From Disclosure to Decision: Board Oversight of Information on Nature and Sustainability
Date and time: Tuesday 27 October, 11:00–13:00 (Yerevan time)
Location: Central Yerevan (near Republic Square)
Co-hosts: UN SSE and the Armenian Institute of Directors
This session looks at the board's role in overseeing sustainability-related information. Standard setters, board directors and experts will discuss how boards can build the capabilities they need to oversee this information, with a particular focus on nature, and how to use it in strategic decision-making.
How to participate: This is an invitation-only event. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] for more details.
Event page: SSEinitiative.org/sse-event/disclosure-decision-board-oversight-information-nature-and-sustainability
Nature and Bond Markets: A Path Forward for the Region
Date and time: Tuesday 27 October, 14:00–17:00 (Yerevan time)
Location: AGBU building, central Yerevan (near Republic Square)
Co-hosts: UN SSE and the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX), with support from PRI
This afternoon event looks at how fixed income markets across the region can help finance nature and open up new nature-related opportunities. Participants will explore the nature component of bond markets, share regional perspectives and discuss a path forward for the region, with Armenia as host. Speakers include the Nature Bonds Initiative, Armenia's Ministry of Environment, the Central Bank of Armenia and the Moscow stock Exchange, and the programme includes time for networking with market participants, policymakers and experts from across the region.
Event page: SSEinitiative.org/sse-event/nature-and-bond-markets-path-forward-region
We look forward to seeing you in Yerevan. To stay informed about SSE events and publications, including the launch of the SSE Action Plan on Nature, sign up for SSE news alerts: https://sseinitiative.org/subscribe