Global partnership with Schulich seeks to build capacity to address worldwide infrastructure gap
Schulich Real Assets and the Global Infrastructure Investor Association (GIIA) are teaming up to offer the next generation of leaders more tools and resources to help enable sustainable infrastructure projects around the world and tackle the climate crisis.
Amidst a backdrop of an increasing need to deploy capital in infrastructure, the partnership is designed to help unlock the potential for more private investment into the infrastructure projects needed to support the global transition to cleaner energy and resilience to climate change.
GIIA represents 100 of the world’s leading investors and advisors in infrastructure with combined assets under management of $1.6 trillion over 70 countries.
Through new research and educational programming opportunities, Schulich students will be empowered with the knowledge and resources to unlock the strategies and funding to deliver the infrastructure that communities need to thrive.
Schulich is one of a few schools around the world offering graduate education focused on the increasingly important and evolving real assets field, offering both an MBA specialization in real estate and infrastructure, and the unique 12-month Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure program.
“We look forward to working together with GIIA and its members towards the common goal of promoting an infrastructure investment ecosystem that mobilizes private capital. We are excited by the alignment and synergy of the collaboration,” said Professor Jim Clayton, Timothy R. Price Chair in Real Estate & Infrastructure and Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure Program Director.
Jon Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of GIIA, said: “It is critical to empower emerging leaders in our industry with the skills and specialist knowledge that enables them to unlock the potential for infrastructure investment, so we can grow the market, and bring in the capital to make the major investments that governments alone cannot afford.”
Canada is already a world leader in infrastructure investment, with pension plans – including the “Maple-8” – investing over C$1 trillion in assets at home and abroad. GIIA is proud to host a wide range of Canadian investors and advisors within its global membership.
“Since Canada is already a hub for innovation in the infrastructure investment industry, partnering with Schulich makes good sense. Our global membership base also means we can help the next generation of infrastructure investment leaders grow their network and experience further afield,” Phillips said.