DIFC to equip 1 million people with sustainability skills

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched a major education initiative aimed at promoting sustainability across the region.

Announced at the Dubai FinTech Summit, the '1 Million Learners' programme aims to equip one million people with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by the year 2030.

The initiative is part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst and underscores the centre’s push to build a more inclusive and responsible financial ecosystem.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, says the programme highlights the importance of education in driving real impact, with sustainability knowledge key to preparing economies for the future.

The initiative is backed by 28 founding partners, including global organisations like the United Nations Development Programme, Mastercard, S&P Global, and the London Stock Exchange Group — all working together to expand access to sustainability learning.

To measure the programme’s real-world impact, DIFC has teamed up with GIST Impact, a global leader in tracking social and environmental outcomes.

The goal is to ensure the programme delivers lasting value, especially in underserved communities.

Dubai International Financial Centre launches the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative as part of the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst. The new initiative aims to equip one million individuals with knowledge in sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030, which is backed by a… pic.twitter.com/W3LToqPjcc

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 13, 2025