European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque Joins GeSI’s 25th Anniversary Celebration to Discuss Europe’s Investment and Competitiveness Future

At an exclusive high-level dinner in Brussels, the European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union engaged with GeSI members and partners on investment, European funding, payment systems and the future of EU businesses. 

Brussels, 12 October 2026 — The Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) had the honour of welcoming Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, as the distinguished guest speaker at an exclusive high-level dinner marking GeSI’s 25th anniversary. 

Held following the Digital with Purpose Global Summit Brussels 2026, the evening brought together senior representatives from GeSI’s global membership, partners and distinguished guests to celebrate a quarter-century of collaboration while engaging in an important conversation about Europe’s economic future. 

The occasion combined a forward-looking discussion on investment, competitiveness and business resilience with a celebration of the people and partnerships that have shaped GeSI since its establishment in 2001. 

Capitalising the Future: Investment, Competitiveness and European Growth 

Under the theme “Capitalising the Future: What the Savings and Investments Union Can Deliver for EU Businesses”, Commissioner Albuquerque addressed the importance of mobilising investment to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, support innovation and create the conditions for sustainable economic growth. 

At a defining moment for Europe’s digital and AI ambitions, the ability to channel capital towards productive investment is central to enabling businesses to innovate, scale and compete internationally. 

The Commissioner’s address was followed by an interactive Q&A discussion around the dinner tables, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange perspectives on some of the financial and economic challenges facing European businesses. 

This exchange brought together European policy perspectives and the practical experiences of organisations operating across different industries and international markets. 

For GeSI, the discussion reinforced the importance of connecting financial policy, technological innovation and business realities. Europe’s ability to translate its digital ambitions into economic and societal value depends not only on technological capabilities, but also on investment, market confidence, resilient businesses and effective collaboration. 

Celebrating 25 Years of Collaboration and Shared Purpose 

Beyond the policy discussion, the evening was a particularly meaningful milestone for GeSI, bringing together organisations and individuals who have contributed to its journey over the past 25 years. 

Representatives from GeSI member organisations joined the celebration, including Google, ZTE, LONGi, Alibaba, Taiwan Mobile, CMAS, Greensparc, Huanghe Science and Technology University (HHSTU), Deutsche Telekom, Kyndryl, Tata Consultancy Services and Taipei New Horizon.

GeSI was also delighted to welcome valued partners and friends, including representatives of Re-Imagine Europa and Obelisk, alongside Georg Kell, former Director of the UN Global Compact, whose presence added special significance to the occasion.

Looking to the Future Together 

GeSI extends its sincere appreciation to Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque for honouring this important milestone with her presence and contributing to a valuable dialogue on Europe’s investment and economic future. 

Our gratitude also goes to every member, partner and friend who joined the anniversary celebration, as well as the many organisations and individuals who have supported GeSI throughout its history. 

After 25 years, GeSI’s greatest strength remains its ability to bring people and organisations together around a shared purpose Agenda — connecting expertise, building trust and turning collaboration into meaningful progress.