Experts redefine sustainability as a catalyst for profitability

The opening day of the 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) convened international experts for a high-level panel titled "Green is the New Gold: Competitive Advantage through Sustainable Investment" to examine how sustainability is transforming the foundations of economic competitiveness.

- Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Moderated by Jacopo Dettoni, Chief Editor of the Financial Times' fDi Intelligence and member of the WIC Executive Board, the discussion brought together leading voices from academia, finance, trade, and international labour to demonstrate how green growth creates both profit and resilience.

Dettoni opened the session by challenging speakers to assess whether "green growth" could truly translate into competitive advantage rather than compliance.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Raekwon Chung, Ambassador of Climate Change and Board Member of the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, stressed that the climate movement must better engage consumers.

"After three decades of climate negotiations, my conclusion is clear: the missing piece is the consumer," he said. "We are responsible for emissions, not governments."

He shared examples of entrepreneurs transforming sustainability into profitability, such as organic cashmere made from naturally shed Mongolian wool and solar-powered, carbon-free cotton cultivation. "Luxury houses are willing to pay a premium for the first carbon-free organic cotton because it strengthens their brand power," he added. "This proves that sustainability can be a source of economic value."