For the fourth year in a row, Chic Icon magazine proudly joins forces as the official media partner of the CC Forum – “Investment in Sustainable Development”, an influential global platform where purpose meets profit and visionaries meet investors.
Fresh from its XII Global Edition in Zurich, the Forum once again gathered some of the world’s most forward-thinking minds — from finance, technology, sustainability, and beyond. Set against Switzerland’s timeless elegance and reputation for innovation, this edition explored one powerful theme: “Investing in a Sustainable Future.”
In this exclusive conversation, Max Studennikoff, the Founder and Chairman of CC Forum, shares what it meant to bring this flagship event to Zurich for the first time, how the Forum has evolved into a movement for conscious capitalism, and why he believes that today’s investors are the true architects of tomorrow. His words remind us that sustainability isn’t just an agenda — it’s a mindset shaping the future of business, innovation, and life itself.
Max, XII global edition of CC Forum has just been held in Zurich. How does it feel to bring this flagship event to Switzerland for the first time?
Thank you. Bringing CC Forum to Zurich marks a milestone in our journey. The forum was a success even though everything went to plan. Switzerland, and Zurich in particular, sits at the intersection of finance, innovation, and sustainability — precisely where CC Forum operates. It felt natural to host our twelfth global edition here, uniting investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in one of the world’s foremost financial capitals.
For those unfamiliar, what is the core mission of CC Forum?
CC Forum — “Climate Change Forum” — was conceived to bridge the gap between capital and impact. Our mission is to channel global investment toward sustainable, ethical, and technologically advanced projects that make a measurable difference. We provide a platform where decision-makers can collaborate to turn ideas into action — from clean energy to circular economy initiatives.
What themes or outcomes stood out from this year’s Zurich edition?
The overarching theme was “Investing in a Sustainable Future”, and the conversations reflected that. We saw deep engagement around AI and green tech, regenerative finance, and the future of energy transition. One of the highlights was the genuine collaboration between traditional finance and emerging impact investors — signaling that sustainability is no longer a niche, but a necessity.
CC Forum has been hosted in major global cities — London, Paris, Dubai, Monaco, Bahrain, and now Zurich. How do you select your locations?
We aim to hold each edition where meaningful dialogue can meet practical opportunity. Each host city offers a unique ecosystem — London’s innovation, Dubai’s dynamism, Monaco’s sustainability leadership, Bahrain’s financial openness, and now Zurich’s credibility and neutrality. These hubs allow us to amplify the Forum’s purpose: creating actionable, cross-border partnerships.
How has CC Forum evolved since its inception?
A: When we started, sustainability and impact investing were emerging buzzwords. Today, they’re at the heart of global policy and capital allocation. CC Forum has evolved from being a conference to a movement — a global network of changemakers, investors, and entrepreneurs. We now facilitate partnerships, project funding, and strategic alliances far beyond the event itself.
What role do you see investors playing in shaping a sustainable global economy?
Investors are the architects of the future. Every dollar deployed has the power to either perpetuate problems or solve them. At CC Forum, we emphasize the need for conscious capitalism — where financial returns and social responsibility coexist. The private sector’s involvement is not just desirable; it’s essential for scalable impact.
Looking ahead, what’s next for CC Forum?
The momentum from Zurich is tremendous. The preparations have begun in full swing for CC Forum Zurich where we will be returning in spring next year. Then Africa. We’re strengthening our focus on innovation-driven sustainability — in sectors such as green hydrogen, biodiversity preservation, and AI for good. The next editions will continue to foster collaboration between finance, technology, and governance, because the challenges we face are global, and so must be our solutions.
Finally, what message would you like to leave with global leaders and investors reading this interview?
The time for incremental change is over. We must invest with intention, collaborate with courage, and innovate with purpose. CC Forum is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets responsibility. Together, we can turn capital into a force for good — and shape a future we can all be proud of.
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