Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has launched a new education initiative called the ‘1 Million Learners’ program. Announced during the Dubai FinTech Summit at Madinat Jumeirah, the initiative aims to educate one million people in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030. It is part of the broader DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst platform, which promotes environmental and social responsibility in the financial sector.
This program highlights DIFC’s dedication to building a financial ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability. As global economies focus more on integrating sustainable practices, there is a growing need to increase public knowledge of sustainable finance to help create stronger, more inclusive communities.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the initiative shows how education can drive real change. “We believe the path to meaningful sustainability begins with awareness and education. Through strong partnerships, we are making this knowledge more accessible and helping the region lead the global shift towards sustainability,” he explained.
The initiative is supported by 29 founding partners from various industries that share a common goal of promoting sustainability education. Some of these partners include Mastercard, PwC Middle East, Emirates NBD, Visa, the United Nations Development Programme, and the London Stock Exchange Group.
Together with these partners, DIFC is working to reshape how sustainability knowledge is delivered on a large scale. The program will equip future professionals with the tools and understanding they need to contribute to sustainable development in their careers and communities.
To track the program’s success, DIFC has partnered with GIST Impact, a global leader in measuring social, environmental, and economic outcomes. GIST Impact uses science-based methods aligned with international standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Their role is to assess the real-world impact of the initiative and ensure it delivers measurable results, especially in underserved regions.
Through this ambitious program, DIFC aims to help build a future-ready workforce empowered with the knowledge to support sustainability efforts across industries.
