Global Climate Leaders Call for Urgent Policy Action at IFF Geneva Summit
The International Finance Forum (IFF), in collaboration with the Task Force on Carbon Pricing in Europe and the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD), hosted a high-level summit titled “Overcoming New Hurdles in Firms’ Fight Against Global Warming.” The event convened global leaders from business, government, and civil society to address rising climate challenges and mobilize coordinated solutions.
In his opening remarks, Edmond Alphandéry, Chairman of the Task Force on Carbon Pricing in Europe, warned of waning momentum: “The climate race is stalling. Inaction is not an option—our future depends on urgent political and financial alignment.”
Zhu Xian, IFF Executive Vice President and former World Bank VP, stressed that despite setbacks, business leaders remain committed to climate goals. “The private sector continues to invest, innovate, and act—what we need now is policy support,” he noted.
Philippe Varin, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, emphasized a critical policy-business partnership. “Climate execution is replacing climate talk. But companies cannot drive this alone—governments must remove barriers like tariffs on green tech and reform financing rules.”
Sessions spotlighted successful corporate strategies, including TotalEnergies’ methane reduction program and Iberdrola’s clean energy expansion, alongside the urgent need for stronger carbon pricing mechanisms, simplified compliance systems, and demand-side incentives.
The conference concluded with a unified call to scale ambition, reduce policy fragmentation, and promote cross-border cooperation. “This is a generational crisis,” said Alphandéry. “We need to act now—together.”
About IFF
The International Finance Forum is a global platform for financial and policy leaders to address critical global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
About IGSD
The Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development promotes rapid climate mitigation to avoid catastrophic tipping points and protect the 1.5°C goal.
About Task Force on Carbon Pricing in Europe
A leading voice advancing effective carbon pricing to drive Europe’s low-carbon transformation
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