Utica Hosts Green Economy, Responsible Finance, and Sustainable Development Conference
On October 24 and 25, Utica will host a conference on the green economy, responsible finance, and sustainable development. This event brings together experts, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss the challenges and solutions related to transitioning to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
During the first day's panel discussion, Hedia Mraihi, partner at Grant Thornton, emphasized that companies must develop proactive governance to address contemporary challenges, including climate change and new regulations. She stated that to remain competitive and resilient, companies must adopt a sustainable mindset, by training and raising awareness among their teams about sustainability issues and involving them in ecological initiatives.
Mraihi also addressed the specific challenges faced by Tunisian companies, particularly in terms of exports. The carbon tax implemented by the European Union was discussed as both an opportunity and a threat to high-carbon sectors such as phosphate and automotive. Mraihi and other speakers encouraged companies to view this situation not as an obstacle, but as a catalyst to adopt processes that improve their carbon footprint and maintain sustainable innovation.
Mraihi further emphasized that the transition to a circular economy must stem from a willingness to have a positive impact on the environment, requiring solid governance. Leaders must therefore commit to integrating sustainable values into their business strategy, with measurable objectives to ensure effective monitoring.
Mraihi concluded that sustainability goes beyond environmental issues to include social and governance dimensions. To succeed in this transformation, companies must be transparent and adopt extra-financial reporting, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development.
She also affirmed that the path to a sustainable economy is complex but essential to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of companies. This transition also represents a genuine growth opportunity in a rapidly changing world.
