AFIA 2023 Scholarship Shows Plenti of Potential
14 November 2023
The Australian Finance Industry Association Limited (AFIA) has announced Louis Edwards, the Head of Renewable Energy Fnance at Plenti, as the winner of the prestigious AFIA International Climate Change Scholarship.
Announced at AFIA’s annual gala dinner, The Affies, the award highlights the organisation’s strategic commitment to nurturing leaders who will guide Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Louis Edwards expressed his motivation, "I was compelled to pursue this scholarship due to the urgent and complex challenges climate change presents. At Plenti, I've seen the power of innovative financing for renewable energy. This scholarship is a chance to expand my impact by gaining a deeper, global understanding of the issues we face."
Edwards plans to leverage his new insights to enhance his climate change strategies, advocating for sustainable practices within the financial sector. "My aim is to foster product innovation, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable, driving change not only within Plenti but across the industry," he shared.
His aspirations include influencing policy and contributing to the widespread adoption of renewable technologies. "This scholarship is a stepping stone to becoming a more influential advocate for sustainability in finance," Edwards added.
Diane Tate, CEO of AFIA, elaborated on the importance of the scholarship, "We believe the finance industry is a key player in working with governments, businesses and communities in tackling the challenges associated with climate change. Our support for this scholarship is to cultivate leaders who can create sustainable financial products, services and technologies, driving strategies, research and innovation in line with environmental sustainability."
Addressing the international aspect of the scholarship, Tate highlighted, "Climate change is a global challenge that requires cross-jurisdictional collaboration and coordination. This scholarship offers a platform for sharing international best practices and staying ahead of global financial trends."
The AFIA scholarship provides an intensive course at the London School of Economics and Political Science, addressing the political, economic, and governance aspects of climate change, aiming to shape future leaders in finance ready to tackle the world’s pressing environmental issues.
Applications for the scholarship were exceptionally strong, meeting strict criteria that ensured only candidates with a demonstrated deep commitment to sustainability and a significant strategic influence within their organisations were selected.