News and Social Media

In May, students enjoyed talks by two interesting Forum 42 speakers: Mr Bill Rogers and Dr Martin Deahl.

On Thursday 5th May, Bill Rogers from CPP Investments gave a talk about sustainability. SFC1 (Year 12) student, Autumn, gives her account:

“Bill Rogers’ thought-provoking presentation on sustainable development explained how the investment industry can help solve climate change. This means attracting the ‘right type’ of long-term capital which depends on having the right financial incentives in place.

Having spent his career focused on ‘green investing’, Mr Rogers understands more than most that the clock is ticking to deliver on the commitments from the Paris and Glasgow climate summits. The challenge of reshaping the entire global economy is huge, but Bill Rogers and his sustainable energies team at CPP (Canada’s state pension scheme) are using their huge influence to help drive change.

With $500bn to invest, they target companies with strong ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials. They are directing long-term capital to renewable energy projects around the world, including wind, solar and hydro, but also sponsoring pioneering technologies.

With a tenfold increase in the amount invested into ESG globally from 2018 to 2020, it’s clear their positive influence is spreading. Global warming is a complex issue which requires a multifaceted solution. By bringing together environmentalists and industrialists with visionaries like Mr Rogers, all supported by an accommodative regulatory framework, dependable long-term capital and the right incentives, not only makes great business sense, but it’s also our only solution to climate change.”

SFC1 (Year 12) Hei In, gives her account of Dr Martin Deahl’s talk, Doctors without Borders on Monday 16th May:

“During his talk, Dr Martin Deahl discussed the opportunities, ethical issues, history and medicine behind his humanitarian work, specifically the three months in 2021 he spent in Gaza and the West Bank Palestinian territories as part of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Having witnessed first-hand the devastations of conflict, Dr Deahl reminded us that every story has two sides. Often, the news likes to paint a narrative that suits their views, turning a blind eye to the other side of the story. Deahl’s experience has given us insight that not everything is as written on the news, highlighting the importance of impartiality and neutrality that needs to be maintained when participating in humanitarian work.

Undoubtedly, Dr Martin Deahl has inspired many of us and highlighted that humanitarian work is a valuable experience we should all consider at some time in our lives. Humanitarian work produces obvious and immediate differences for the community. For the individual, it is an opportunity to immerse into the local culture, not just as a tourist but instead to meet people from all walks of life and develop friendships.

In a time where conflicts and division scathe our world, we must remember our humanity and the suffering of the civilians and the injured. Casting aside the political borders that divide us, humanitarian work should continue to evolve and grow and become a reminder of the need for unity and the right to access safe healthcare.