Abu dhabi: The 9th Annual Angel Rising Investor Symposium, organised by startAD and VentureSouq, recently concluded at the Abu Dhabi Global Market. The event, held in partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), brought together leading investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and climate innovators to focus on the theme "Scaling Climate Resilience in the Global South".

According to Emirates News Agency, the symposium featured prominent figures such as Shaikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector of EAD. Al Mazrouei highlighted the importance of adaptation as an environmental, social, and economic imperative, referencing the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2025-2050) launched earlier this year. This plan aims to fortify the resilience of ecosystems, communities, and the economy.

Nihal Shaikh, Associate Director of startAD, emphasized the significant impact of climate change on communities in the Global South, which face potential GDP losses of up to 64 percent by the century's end. Shaikh stressed the necessity of accelerating ClimateTech investments for both planetary and economic reasons.

Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq, noted the symposium's focus on solutions-driven and collaborative dialogue, highlighting the need for an inclusive investment approach to build climate resilience in the Global South. This approach should combine early-stage capital with long-term policy commitment.

The event featured sessions such as Leveraging Technology to Adapt to Climate Change and Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Early-Stage Investment for Economic Growth. These sessions examined innovations in water, energy, and urban infrastructure, and how blended finance, venture capital, and digital platforms can stimulate economic growth.

Another session, Policy as a Multiplier: Enabling Ecosystems for Climate Innovation, gathered policymakers to discuss incorporating adaptation into national agendas. Additionally, How AI is Supercharging Climate Solutions explored artificial intelligence's potential in climate modeling and energy optimisation.

The symposium concluded with a networking session, providing a platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to exchange insights and explore collaborative opportunities.