The Sustainability Forum Middle East, in its second edition, has brought together more than 350 business and sustainability leaders in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the banner “Achieving Net Zero – Pathways to Accelerating Implementation”.
The event, which ran for two days, closing today, was held in the presence of the Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina.
Beginning on 8 January with workshops delivered by some of the world’s leading global ESG and climate advisories, the main Forum on 9 January launched with opening remarks from H.E. the Minister, who called for “even greater collaboration” and “more decisive action” on the energy and economic transition ahead.
Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, a Strategic Partner of the Forum and the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, delivered the Forum’s keynote.
“Sustainability Forum Middle East serves as a regional platform for promoting dialogue, collaboration, and driving climate action towards a more sustainable future. We are beginning a transformative era driven by green technology and innovation, prompting systemic change that will span decades. Our region’s commitment to achieving net-zero targets is showcased through sovereign ambition, robust private and public sector engagement, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and mobilizing substantial human and financial capital, shaping a legacy that aligns with global climate goals,” he said.
The Forum featured a day of panel discussions with more than 40 expert speakers from around the world taking part, including those from MENA, Europe, the UK, the US, Australia, Brazil and India.
They covered a range of topics, including essential collaborations between government and the private sector, outcomes of COP 28 and the implications for MENA climate action, funding and capital requirements, energy transition and the growth of renewables, future cities, resilient and sustainable supply chains, and the regulations required to accelerate the journey for businesses across sectors.
Speakers at the event represented a diverse group of private and public sector organisations and regional and international companies, including Acwa Power, Alba, APM Terminals Bahrain, ASRY, Bank ABC, Bapco Energies, BASREC, Boston Consulting Group, Central Bank of Bahrain, Saudi Exchange, IFRS Foundation, Deloitte, EY-Parthenon, Supreme Council for Environment, Bahrain, Electricity & Water Authority, Bahrain, Expo City Dubai, HSBC, Infracorp, KPMG, Lucid Motors, Red Sea Global, Standard Chartered Bank, Zu’bi & Partners, among others.