Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) today announced that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will continue as a Strategic Partner for its fifth edition, taking place on 26–27 January 2027 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, and with the Support of the Supreme Council for Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Forum will convene regional and international business leaders, policymakers, investors and sustainability experts under the theme “Sustainability for Value Creation – Driving Resilience, Innovation and Growth.”
The continued partnership builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNDP and FinMark Communications, the founder and organiser of SFME, which is being extended through the end of 2027. It provides a framework for collaboration on advocacy, knowledge exchange and capacity development, supporting sustainable development and the green transition in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The fifth edition will explore how sustainability can strengthen economic competitiveness and business performance, attract investment and create new opportunities for growth. Discussions will focus on mobilising sustainable finance, building resilient energy systems, harnessing artificial intelligence for climate solutions, integrating natural capital into business decisions, and advancing supply chain resilience and circular economy models. Leading voices from within UNDP will join forum discussions
Asmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in Bahrain, said, “We are pleased to continue our strategic partnership with Sustainability Forum Middle East for its fifth edition. Sustainability is central to building resilient economies and creating lasting opportunities for people and businesses. By bringing together policymakers, the private sector and development partners, the Forum provides an important opportunity to connect expertise, finance and innovation with practical action that supports national priorities and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Chairperson of Sustainability Forum Middle East, added, “We are delighted that UNDP will continue as a Strategic Partner as SFME enters its fifth edition. UNDP brings valuable development expertise and international perspectives to our platform, helping connect regional priorities with the wider global agenda. This year’s focus on value creation reflects the growing importance of sustainability to business performance, investment and economic resilience. We look forward to working together to strengthen the partnerships and practical knowledge needed to accelerate implementation across Bahrain and the wider region.”
Beyond the annual Forum, SFME’s programme of roundtables and learning initiatives provides opportunities throughout the year for stakeholders to exchange experience, develop capabilities and advance collaboration on sustainability and climate action. The continued partnership with UNDP will support this wider mission, reinforcing a shared commitment to translating dialogue into practical outcomes.
The Forum’s current fourth edition is backed by Lead Partners: SAFA and BBK; Strategic Partners: United Nations Development Programme, Bank ABC, Standard Chartered Bank, and Gulf International Bank; Forum Partners: Aluminium Bahrain, National Bank of Bahrain, Boston Consulting Group, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), Bahrain Ship Repair & Engineering Company (BASREC), Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company (GARMCO), American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain), and Gulf Air; Supporting Partners: Tamkeen, Hassan Radhi & Associates, GFH, and United Enterprises; Learning Partner: Strathclyde University and Impact for Learning & Development; and Media Partners: Arab News, Al Ayam, OGN, Trade Arabia, BFT Media, and The Butterfly Effect.
For more information on Sustainability Forum Middle East, please visit sustainmideast.com.