Green Buildings and Decarbonization of the Construction Sector

This session brought together international and local leaders and industry representatives from China, South Africa, and Turkey, to explore actionable strategies and align public and private sector efforts for a zero-carbon and resilient building sector. Key discussions covered aligning green building standards with climate action plans, financing options like green mortgages, and collaboration models that have successfully accelerated sustainable urban growth.

Event Details

When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm UTC+4
(see local time)

Where: Green Zone – Universe Room

Opening Remarks and Keynote:

• Aliya Azimova, Country Representative Azerbaijan, IFC
• Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board, Small and Medium Business Development Agency
• Olaf Schmidt, Director, Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services (MAS) Latin America and the Caribbean & Europe, IFC
• Yukun ZHOU, Chairman, China Construction Fangcheng Investment and Development Group

Moderator: 

• Leila Huseynli, Sustainable Finance Specialist, IFC

Panel discussion:

• Matthew Whalley, Managing Director, Balwin Green Living
• Vessela Valtcheva-McGee,  Director, Market Development EE, GBCI Europe
• Mehmet Sami KILIÇ, President of the Board, Turkish GBC

Moderator:

• Marcia Yu, Regional Manager MAS, IFC 

Closing Remarks:

• Read Gasimov, Head of Baku General Directorate on Architecture and Urban Planning, SCUPA
• Ommid Saberi, Global Lead for Green and Resilient Buildings, IFC