The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is providing significant demand for CFA Institute‘s certificate in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, with particular interest coming from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
CFA Institue, an association of investment professionals, is now reporting high interest for its certificate in ESG investing in the MENA region, with 55 per cent of registrations for the education programme coming from the UAE.
The programme offers a globally-recognised qualification for ESG investment management. It equips participants with the technical knowledge and practical application skills to succeed in the fast-growing field of ESG investing.
“Our certificate in ESG Investing offers professionals working across the finance industry the practical, theoretical, and technical knowledge they and their organisations need to address today’s challenging problems,” comments Dana Day, MENA managing director at CFA Institute.
The programme has attracted 25,800 registrations globally.
In the UAE, the topic of ESG is especially important, given the strides the country has made towards making sustainability a major pillar in its efforts to diversify the economy in recent years.
The UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030 was announced as an umbrella framework for green policies, while the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy promotes net-zero emissions by 2050.
This saw the United Arab Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) make it mandatory for listed public joint stock companies to publish their annual sustainability report to assess the long-term health and stability of the market.
PwC‘s 2022 survey of Middle Eastern CEOs confirmed that 66 per cent want to increase investments in ESG and sustainability initiatives over the next three years.
As sustainable innovation becomes imperative for businesses, Day adds that having strong knowledge of ESG investing is “increasingly a competitive advantage.”
The programme involves a self-study course requiring approximately 130 hours of study, culminating in a computer-based exam comprising 100 questions at a proctored testing centre or via online proctored testing.
Graduating candidates receive a certificate and a digital badge.
“Understanding the impact of ESG is critical for organisations, now more than ever, and the first step to doing this is having the right people with ESG expertise to help businesses prepare for ESG integration,” comments Taimur Ali Mir, PwC partner.
“CFA Institute’s certificate in ESG investing is a stamp of credibility for investors, business leaders and ESG-associated professionals in the Middle East,” continues Ali Mir.
“I am excited about the impact this will create on embracing ESG – on individuals, organisations, and economies as a whole.”
