From local acceptance to trust: How can green investments become good neighbours? 

At COP31, practitioners and experts will discuss how companies can build trust with local communities from the very start – and why meaningful engagement is becoming a cornerstone of successful green investment. 

Location

Finland Pavilion, Blue Zone (COP31), Antalya Expo Center, Antalya, Türkiye

Schedule

Tuesday 10.11.2026 at 10.00–10.45 (UTC+3)

Teksti COP 31, jonka päälle on asetettu kuva maapallosta, aurinkopaneelista, tuuliturbiinista ja lintuparvesta.
Kuva: Jaakko Porokuokka, Sitra

Join us for a side event at the UN climate negotiations in Antalya, Türkiye, where we look at what it takes for green investments to become good neighbours.

Europe is building renewables, grids and new industry at an unprecedented pace. The success of these investments depends not only on technology and finance, but also on how well they are rooted in local communities – whether people feel heard, trust the process and see a fair share of the benefits.

This 45-minute session at the Finland Pavilion explores how companies can build trust from the early stages and make meaningful engagement a key element of successful green investment. A short keynote sets out why the issue matters now and what is happening at EU level. It is followed by a conversation with practitioners on what works in practice and what lessons can be shared.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how early, genuine dialogue with local communities can turn acceptance into lasting trust – and help green investments succeed.

Programme

10.00 (UCT +3) Welcome and opening

Ms. Ulla Heinonen, Confederation of Finnish Industries

Keynote: Why local trust matters now – and what is happening at EU level

Mr. Anton Koninckx, Advisor, Eurelectric

Panel discussion: What works in practice?

Mr. Bernard De Clercq, Head of EU & International Affairs, Elia Group

Jørgen Madsen, Head of RA EU and Global, Ørsted.

Ms. Riitta Silvennoinen, Managing Director, Hydrogen Cluster Finland

The panel discussion will be moderated by Ms. Outi Haanperä, Senior Lead, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

10.45 (UCT+3) The event ends

MORE INFORMATION

Nainen, jolla on suorat, olkapäille ulottuvat vaaleat hiukset, hymyilee kameraan. Hänellä on yllään persikanvärinen pusero, kultaiset rengaskorvakorut ja sydämenmuotoinen riipuskaulakoru, ja hän seisoo tasaisen mustan taustan edessä.

Outi Haanperä

Senior Lead, Programmes