The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) and the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UNSSE) Initiative will deliver two virtual training sessions on Gender Equality and Global Capital Markets on Monday 13 April and Wednesday 15 April 2026, organisers confirmed. The free, interactive programme runs from 16:30 to 18:30 Suva time on both days and is open for registration through the UN SSE Initiative’s events page.
SPX chief executive officer Sheraj Obeyesekere said the training reflects a growing recognition that gender equality plays a central role in corporate governance and market performance. “Gender equality is increasingly becoming a core component of good governance and strong corporate performance,” Obeyesekere said. “Companies that recognise this are better positioned to attract investment, improve decision-making, and deliver long-term value. This program supports participants in understanding these dynamics and aligning with global expectations.”
The two-part course has been developed by the UN SSE Initiative in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women and Columbia University’s Sustainable Investing Research Initiative. It will include expert-led discussions and interactive sessions designed to help participants understand the financial implications of gender inequality, improve corporate reporting and literacy on gender equality, and identify market opportunities that arise from stronger gender practices.
This marks the second collaboration between SPX and the UN SSE Initiative, following Fiji’s stock exchange joining the global initiative in 2025. That membership gave SPX access to internationally recognised training and advisory resources, which the exchange says will help raise governance and sustainability standards across Fiji’s capital market and corporate sector.
The organisers are encouraging nominations from SPX-listed companies, private sector firms, financial institutions, regulatory bodies and advisory firms. The training is aimed particularly at board members, senior management, and professionals involved in governance, sustainability, strategy, human capital and reporting — roles seen as pivotal to translating gender policies into measurable corporate outcomes.
Participants who complete the programme may receive a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified certificate of participation, organisers said. The availability of CPD accreditation is intended to broaden appeal to professionals seeking formal recognition for capacity-building in environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas.
Interested parties can register via the UN SSE Initiative’s event page. The SPX said the sessions are offered free of charge and form part of wider efforts to bring global best practice and expertise to Fiji’s markets, equipping local companies and advisers to meet evolving investor expectations on gender and sustainability.
Leave a comment