Agenda 2026

January 27

January 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration and Networking

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM

Opening Remarks

Laila Danesh, Chairperson, Advisory Committee, Sustainability Forum Middle East

9:05 AM – 9:10 AM

Welcome Address

H.E. Amna Hamad AlRumaihi, Chief Executive, Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain

9:10 AM – 9:20 AM

Special Address

H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council

9:20 AM – 9:40 AM

Opening Keynote: In a New Climate Economy

A high-level scene-setter on innovation, energy systems, and capital transformation, this keynote will frame the regional and global context following COP30, emphasizing how MENA economies can lead through innovation, energy integration, and strategic capital flows to build a new climate-driven economic paradigm.

H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development

9:40 AM – 10:10 AM

National Vision Panel: Sustainability Strategies for Competitiveness and Growth

From policy to prosperity: leveraging sustainability for long-term economic strength

This high-level conversation with senior government leaders will explore sustainability at the heart of national economic transformation and transition strategies and how developments are shaping national economic priorities across MENA. With energy transition, innovation, and green industrialisation rising on the policy agenda, the discussion will highlight how countries can harness climate action to drive competitiveness, attract investment, and accelerate diversification and job creation in emerging industries to future-proof their economies.

H.E. Dr. Sh. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain
H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Kingdom of Bahrain
Sh. Khalifa Alkhalifa, CEO, Bahrain Bourse
Giuseppe Bonaccorsi, Managing Director and Partner, BCG

10:10 AM – 11:00 AM

Panel: Reshaping the Sustainability Investment Case: Risk, Returns and the Economic Opportunity

How sustainability-smart strategies are reframing growth, innovation and competitiveness

This strategic session brings together C-suite leaders from MENA enterprises to explore the evolving narrative around climate investment and corporate strategy — shifting from cost and compliance to opportunity and economic advantage. With global capital markets increasingly favouring more sustainable and climate-aligned assets, how can MENA companies position themselves to benefit? This session unpacks how climate action is being redefined as a core driver of competitiveness and economic transformation, with increasing emphasis on new growth industries that will create high-quality jobs for the region’s young and fast-growing population. Speakers will explore how investments in clean energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable technologies are reshaping value chains, catalysing innovation, and opening new avenues for prosperity — turning sustainability into a defining feature of long-term economic success.

Seneca Cottom, Head of Sustainability, Alshaya Group
Sarah Baashan, Corporate Sustainability Directo, Aramco
Marie Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer, Kering Group
Mohamed Alaali, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Clint McLachlan, Director ESG and Technical, Aluminium Bahrain
Kalyan Krishnan Subramanian, Director and Head of Clients & Markets, KPMG

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Panel: Climate Diplomacy in a Divided World: Regional Strategies for Alignment and Delivery

How Gulf and MENA countries are navigating global dynamics to shape a cohesive path forward

Building on the momentum of COP28, the Middle East is no longer just participating in global climate diplomacy — it is emerging as a key leader shaping the agenda. With the ability to convene diverse voices and push for ambitious outcomes, the region is positioning itself at the centre of efforts to move from fragmented negotiations toward coordinated regional and global action. This panel will explore how Gulf and MENA countries are strengthening alignment across states and institutions, translating ambition into delivery, and demonstrating climate leadership at a critical juncture. The discussion will also examine how this leadership is reshaping development finance and investment. Gulf countries are increasingly coordinating their external engagement — from deepening partnerships with Africa through resource investment and clean energy collaboration, to navigating their relationships with Europe around issues such as cross-border carbon measures and trade. Together, these dynamics highlight a historic opportunity for the region to take the lead, shaping not only its internal cohesion but also the trajectory of global markets and climate outcomes.

Eng. Khalid Albalushi, Climate Change Incharge, Environment Authority, Sultanate of Oman
Razan Bucheeri, Directorate - Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain
Mehrali Ecer, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Climate Change of Türkiye
Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development - Hamad Bin Khalifa University

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Panel: Unlocking Climate Finance: Innovative Pathways for Transition and Resilience

Mobilising catalytic solutions for transition, adaptation, and sustainable growth

This panel explores how climate finance is evolving beyond traditional models to harness catalytic capital and blended finance for real-world delivery. While the scale of needs is clear, the pressing challenge is how to innovate and deliver at speed — with trillions required annually to meet global climate goals. Speakers will highlight emerging financial solutions — from sustainability-linked loans and sovereign green bonds to debt-for-climate swaps, orange bonds, and other new instruments — and how these can be deployed in the GCC and MENA. The discussion will also consider rising insurance risks linked to climate impacts, alongside examples of how development finance institutions are pioneering approaches tailored for emerging markets.

The session will examine how both transition finance and adaptation finance can be mobilised to accelerate decarbonisation, strengthen resilience, and underpin economic growth and job creation, especially in youthful Middle Eastern economies. By focusing on financial innovation and the practical steps needed to build pipelines of investable projects, the panel will explore how to de-risk climate investments and unlock global pools of capital.

Lina Osman, Managing Director & Head - Sustainable Finance, Middle East, Africa & Pakistan, Standard Chartered Bank
Katherine Garrett-Cox, CEO, Gulf International Bank (UK) Limited
Zaina Al Zayani, Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, National Bank of Bahrain
Jessica Robinson, Partner, Solve Strategies

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

Panel: Valuing Nature: Carbon Markets, Biodiversity, and High-Integrity Solutions

Unlocking natural capital for credibility, investment, and impact

Nature-based solutions are gaining traction as essential tools in climate mitigation and adaptation, but their credibility and effectiveness depend on transparency and integrity. This session will explore how MENA can lead in high-integrity carbon and biodiversity markets — valuing nature not just as an environmental asset but as a critical driver of finance for climate resilience and sustainable development. By embedding natural capital into market mechanisms, countries can open new channels for much-needed investment while safeguarding ecosystems and communities.

The discussion will also highlight how advances in AI and digital tools — from satellite imaging to real-time data analytics — are revolutionising verification, monitoring, and reporting. These technologies are making carbon and biodiversity markets more reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring projects deliver genuine climate, social, and ecological benefits.

Simon Henry, Director of Carbon Market Development, International Emissions Trading Association
Namrata Rastogi, Carbon Policy and Technical Specialist, UNDP
Talal Al Araifi, CEO, SAFA
Erik Ringvold, Chief Business Development Officer, Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (VCM)
Ian McCallum, Chief Sustainability Officer, Bank ABC

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Panel: Backing Breakthroughs: Top Tech Trends and Venture Capital to Scale

Game-changing technologies with the greatest potential for climate impact and the role of venture and growth capital

From AI-driven energy optimisation to carbon removal, precision agriculture, and next-generation materials, breakthrough technologies are redefining the pace and scale of climate action. This session explores where the most transformative innovations are emerging — and how venture and growth-stage capital can accelerate their path to real-world deployment. Panelists will highlight top tech trends, the sectors where AI and climate tech offer the greatest promise, and the investment strategies needed to move these solutions from pilot to global impact. The session will also consider how policy, private capital, and ecosystem support can combine to help bold ideas become bankable, investable, and scalable.

Dmitry Govorov, Head of Strategy, Aramco Ventures
Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner, VentureSouq
Mohammad Abu Zahra, Chief Regional Officer, Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Institute
Dr. Shaikha May Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Director of Geographical Information Systems, Information & eGoverment Authority, Kingdom of Bahrain
Pablo Avogadri, Partner and Director, Energy, BCG

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM

Panel: The AI-Energy Nexus in the Middle East: Net Benefit or Net Burden? Evaluating AI’s Role in a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition

Ensuring the digital transformation accelerates sustainable, people-centred progress

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful force reshaping global energy systems — driving efficiency, innovation, and decarbonisation, while introducing new complexities in governance, equity, and environmental impact. This session, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will explore how MENA countries can leverage AI to accelerate energy transformation in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and just.

The discussion will examine how AI is revolutionising the energy value chain — from forecasting demand and optimising grid performance to integrating renewables and enabling smarter, more resilient infrastructure. Speakers will also address the rising energy footprint of digital technologies and data centres, and how these can be balanced through innovation, regulation, and renewable integration.

Abdullah Jefri, Senior Regional Manager – GCC, IFC
Talal Badawi, CEO, ArRass Soloar Energy Company, ACWA Power
Riad Meddeb, Director, UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM

Panel: The Rulebook for Change: Enabling Markets, Innovation, and Impact

Shaping policy for stability, transformation, and trust

Strong regulatory frameworks are critical to building resilient, investable climate economies. This panel will explore how MENA governments, financial regulators, central banks, and stock exchanges are adapting rules and oversight to accelerate the climate transition — from evolving taxonomies and sustainability disclosure mandates to carbon pricing models and inter-governmental policy alignment. The discussion will highlight how capital markets, regulators, and central banks together influence corporate behaviour, financial stability, and investment flows.

Through supervisory requirements, prudential policies, disclosure rules, and listing standards, these institutions are shaping how companies manage climate risks, strengthen governance, and align with global best practice. By embedding climate risk into financial stability frameworks, setting clear rules, and enhancing market transparency, they can reduce systemic vulnerabilities, build investor confidence, mobilise international capital, and unlock innovation — ensuring that markets drive both competitiveness and long-term impact.

Fatima Akhtarzada, Director of Licensing and Regulatory Policy, Central Bank of Bahrain
Mostafa Hawas, Sustainability and Environmental Markets Expert, The Egyptian Exchange
Damian Regan, Sustainability Services Leader, Middle East, Anthesis Group Middle East

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Panel: From Awareness to Action: Building Capacity for Delivery and Impact

Empowering people and institutions with the skills to implement sustainability and climate strategies

Successful implementation requires more than ambition — it demands talent, training, and institutional readiness. This session explores how businesses, governments, and educational institutions across the region are investing in the capabilities needed to execute sustainability and climate strategies. From upskilling existing workforces to embedding sustainability into leadership development, panellists will highlight the importance of building sustainability literate organisations and fostering a delivery culture that prioritises implementation and impact.

Dr. Abdulla Isa Alabbasi, Director of the Energy and Environment Program, Studies and Research Directorate (DERASAT), Kingdom of Bahrain
Omar Al Enezi, Head of Technical Portfolio Development, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard
Badr Aljohani, Chairman, Corporate Sustainability Association, Saudi Arabia
Sara Sabt, Director, Risk Management & Sustainability, Gulf Air
Apurba Mitra, Partner, ESG, KPMG

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration and Networking

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Future-Proofing Business: Climate Action and Responsible Sourcing for the GCC

KPMG - Workshop

As climate risks rise and global supply chains come under greater scrutiny, businesses in the GCC are under pressure to act. This interactive workshop will equip leaders with the tools and insights to turn ambition into action - from building credible net zero roadmaps and setting science-based emission targets to embedding transparency and ethics across their supply chains. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and a hands-on team challenge, participants will explore how decarbonization and responsible sourcing can unlock new opportunities, strengthen resilience, and drive long-term value.

Apurba Mitra, Partner – ESG, KPMG
Kalyan Krishnan Subramanian, Director and Head of Clients & Markets, KPMG
Naren Pasupalati, Manager – ESG, KPMG

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Coffee Break

11:15PM – 12:45 PM

Navigating Carbon Markets in the Arab States: A Guide for Public and Private Sectors

UNDP - Workshop

As global attention turns toward market-based climate solutions, carbon markets are emerging as a key lever to finance the transition to low-carbon economies. Across the Arab States, governments and businesses are beginning to explore how carbon pricing, trading, and Article 6 mechanisms can unlock investment, strengthen climate resilience, and support national development goals.

This workshop will unpack the opportunities and challenges of participating in carbon markets — from policy design and market readiness to private-sector engagement and regional collaboration. Drawing on the latest COP30 outcomes, expert insights, and regional case studies, participants will gain practical understanding of how carbon markets can drive both climate ambition and economic diversification.

For policymakers, sustainability leaders, and corporate decision-makers, this is an essential session to grasp how high-integrity carbon markets can turn climate commitments into actionable, finance-backed outcomes for the Arab region.

Namrata Rastogi, Carbon Policy and Technical Specialist, UNDP
Thomas Pitaud, Regional Team Leader Energy and Environment, UNDP

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM

Networking Lunch

1:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Sustainability, Reputation & Growth - How to Deliver Measurable Value

Anthesis Group - Workshop

With ESG initiatives facing increased scrutiny, it’s now more important than ever to understand where sustainability can deliver measurable value.

Companies with strong environmental performance have a higher profitability than their peers

A significant part of the reputational advantage held by market leaders comes down to how they are perceived on environmental issues

And yet, many companies are still risking that advantage – either by overstating their efforts or staying far too quiet about them

Company performance advantage is not a matter of ideology, it’s a strategic priority. As such, the choice to remain silent can no longer be considered a neutral decision. When done right, sustainability is a lever for financial growth and a cornerstone of reputation.

This workshop will give business leaders the evidence they need to act boldly and speak with confidence. outline a clear approach for establishing focus, craft effective messaging, and mitigate the risks of greenwashing or greenhushing.

For anyone responsible for sustainability, reputation, growth – or all three – this is an essential workshop to attend.

Damian Regan, Sustainability Services Leader - Middle East, Anthesis Group
Eleonore Laurent, Sustainability & ESG Advisory - Middle East, Anthesis Group