news - FMO’s 5th Future of Finance Conference kicks off in Utrecht

Bringing together over 500 global financial experts

The Future of Finance Conference 2018, bringing together over 500 global financial experts, takes place in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from 30 September – 2 October 2018. Guided by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),the program includes focus on trends and developments that affect business models, on how to act sustainably, on how to reach new markets and build inclusive financial sectors and economies.

This morning, the participants of the conference were welcomed by FMO’s CEO Mr. Peter van Mierlo, who in his speech emphasized the need for partnership to meet the two main challenges this world is facing; Climate change and Inequality. Mr. van Mierlo also highlighted that there is a role for businesses to offer technology that can help developing markets to leapfrog, and the importance of steering the global cooperation on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

After Mr. van Mierlo’s keynote speech, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Mrs. Sigrid Kaag, addressed the audience and gave her views on the role of the financial sector in building a fair and inclusive world where people can live well and within the boundaries of the planet’s resources. She stipulated the need for the public and private sector to join forces in making sure that the ambition of reaching the SDGs can be achieved: “Tomorrow doesn’t only matter, it is here today!”, she urged.

More information on the content, discussions and outcomes of the Future of Finance Conference will follow later.