Sustainability Forum Middle East announced that its inaugural edition taking place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on January 12, 2023  will be focusing on “Business Transition to Net-Zero – the Path Towards a Successful Low-Carbon Future”.

 

The Forum is set to bring together more than 300 senior decision makers and sustainability experts to address regional decarbonisation goals and drive private sector mobilisation in support of the realisation of national and regional net-zero goals.  

The event will be under the patronage of the Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina.

 

The Forum will feature a world-class line up of speakers to share knowledge and insights and stimulate an interactive day of exchange. Comprised of a series of keynote addresses and panel sessions, it has been designed to help companies across sectors better understand the implications of net-zero and the opportunities and challenges on the path towards a low-carbon future.

 

Kicking off with a keynote address from Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive, Oil and Gas Holding Company (nogaholding), the Forum will go on to cover a range of topics including takeaways from the recently held COP27 in Egypt and the road ahead to COP28 set for November 2023 in the UAE, net-zero ambitions of the MENA governments and where we are today, financing for the transition, the integration of renewables, and the evolution of climate regulation, among others.

 

Importantly, a series of hands-on workshops are being delivered by senior representatives from KPMG, Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF), Deloitte Middle East and EY-Parthenon, will also provide attendees with the opportunity to develop practical strategies and solutions to help businesses, including SMEs, mobilize, plan for and embark on their net-zero journeys.

 

The Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, stated: "The Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to enrich the understanding of all sectors related to energy, environment, and climate change, building on sustainable development achievements and doubling efforts in the coming years. This includes harmonising decarbonisation efforts with the global endeavors to elevate living standards, and launching environmental initiatives and supporting catalytic programmes for comprehensive development partners to meet the national and humanitarian responsibility to reach climate security."

 

“Organizing such a forum reflects the private sector’s belief in the pivotal role of environment in achieving sustainable development. The importance of this Forum lies on enhancing the Kingdom’s efforts to limit climate change by seeking sustainable solutions and innovative investment opportunities. In this regard, we applaud the efforts exerted by the organisers and sponsors and all participants to launch Sustainability Forum Middle East as an international touchpoint among all partners of environment protection in all fields of economy, industry and science, serving sustainable development goals,” he added.

 

The Forum is being supported by Strategic Partners - Bahrain Economic Development Board and Tamkeen, Lead Partner - Sustainable Infrastructure - Infracorp, Lead Partner – Standard Chartered, Energy Partner – nogaholding, Knowledge Partner - National Bank of Bahrain, ESG Partner – Gulf International Bank and Forum Partner- Alba, Official Carrier – Gulf Air and Networking Partners – Dadabhai Travel and NGN International. –TradeArabia News Service