Unlocking the Potential of Carbon Markets in the GCC
The transition to a low-carbon economy presents both challenges and economic opportunities for the GCC region. Carbon markets offer a powerful mechanism to drive sustainable economic diversification, improve industrial competitiveness, and align with global carbon pricing frameworks.
Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring leading policymakers, industry experts, and financial market representatives who will explore how the EU’s experience in carbon trading can support the development of effective carbon markets in the GCC.
Key Topics:
✅ The fundamentals of carbon markets: emissions trading vs. carbon credits
✅ Trading carbon as a financial instrument and regulatory frameworks
✅ Business opportunities for low-carbon industries in the GCC
✅ Insights from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
✅ Policy and market design considerations for the GCC
Who Should Attend?
🔹 GCC policymakers and regulatory authorities
🔹 Industry leaders and corporate sustainability officers
🔹 Financial institutions and carbon market stakeholders
🔹 Environmental organizations and think tanks
Program
Speakers:
- Mr. Sébastien Paquot, Head of Unit, Task Force on International Carbon Pricing and Markets Diplomacy, European Commission
- Dr. Mohammad Alrashidi, Director of Energy, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat
The moderator, Spyros Kouvelis, will introduce the webinar, set the stage for discussions, and highlight the significance of EU-GCC collaboration in carbon market development. Opening remarks from the EU & GCC sides will emphasize the role of emissions trading in providing economic opportunities while achieving climate targets and the importance of knowledge-sharing between the EU and GCC.
Speaker:
- Mr Gilles Dufrasne, Policy Officer - Task Force for International Carbon Pricing and Markets Diplomacy, European Commission
This session will help the audience navigate the essential concepts of carbon markets, understanding the difference between carbon pricing and carbon markets, as well as between emissions trading systems and baseline-and-credit mechanisms. It will explore the respective risks and opportunities of different instruments that turn GHG emissions into a valuable marketable asset.
Speaker:
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Mr. George von Waldburg, Director Environmental Markets, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
This session will provide an overview of the functioning of a carbon market from a financial perspective, taking the example of the trading of EU allowances under the EU’s Emissions Trading System. It will seek to shed a light on the type of actors involved in emissions allowances trading, the typical financial products involved in the market, and the necessary regulatory elements to ensure the smooth functioning of a domestic carbon market.
- Dr. Mohammad Alrashidi, Director of Energy, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat
- Mr. Gilles Dufrasne, Policy Officer - Task Force for International Carbon Pricing and Markets Diplomacy, Europen Commission
- Mr. Stefano de Clara, Head of Secretariat, ICAP
- Mr. Saaed Al Ghafri, CEO, Emirates Steel (tbc)
As the GCC explores carbon markets as a pathway to economic diversification and climate action, this high-level panel discussion will bring together key stakeholders from policy, finance, and industry to share insights on the region’s carbon pricing future. Experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities of emissions trading, the role of financial institutions, and how businesses can position themselves for success in a low-carbon economy.
Moderated by: Spyros Kouvelis
This interactive session brings together panellists and presenters, providing the audience with the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights. The moderator, will guide the conversation, delving further into key topics explored during the webinar.
Moderated by: Spyros Kouvelis
The session will conclude with a summary of key takeaways, a poll to guide further engagement , and next steps for future EU-GCC collaboration on carbon market development.
Speakers