Latest news with #SustainabilityForumMiddleEast
Trade Arabia
16-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
SFME, Danat to convene marine ecosystem experts
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a regional platform dedicated to driving net zero and nature positive solutions, in collaboration with Danat – Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones, will host a high-level roundtable on April 15, 2025 in Manama on "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action'. The first in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, the event aims to bring together leading experts and industry leaders to explore the role of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts in advancing climate resilience. Given the pivotal role oceans play in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, discussions will focus on strategies for integrating marine ecosystem preservation into broader sustainability and climate action frameworks. The event will feature a fireside chat with Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), of which Danat is a member. In this session, Van der Veken will discuss the jewellery industry's commitment to sustainability and its role in conservation and climate action. WJI 2030, co-founded by Cartier and Kering in 2021, is a global initiative uniting watch and jewellery brands to commit to ambitious sustainability objectives, including building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. Members of WJI 2030 include prominent brands such as Chanel Horlogerie Joaillerie, Montblanc, Rosy Blue, and Swarovski, reflecting the initiative's significant impact on promoting sustainable practices within the industry. In addition to the fireside chat, the event will also feature two panel discussions: The first will focus on sustainable pearling as a nature-positive industry, examining how Bahrain's pearl oyster beds contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience, alongside efforts to document their carbon sequestration potential. The second panel will explore the broader role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development, including how sectors such as shipping, aluminium, and coastal infrastructure are integrating ocean conservation into their environmental strategies. Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said, "We are excited to launch our 2025 Decarbonisation Series by looking at the critical intersection of marine conservation and climate action in collaboration with Danat and with participation from the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, which is working to drive sustainability across one of the world's most influential luxury industries. Beyond the jewellery industry, the discussions will also explore the broader role that the industrial sector is also playing in marine conservation and the very notable initiatives being undertaken by companies in Bahrain to integrate ocean sustainability into their ESG strategies as we work to balance economic development and environmental stewardship. The roundtable will provide a platform to explore how the protection of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate environmental responsibility can align with regional and international sustainability and climate goals.' Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Danat, added, "At Danat, we are dedicated to advancing scientific research and driving awareness of the environmental role played by Bahrain's marine ecosystems, particularly the sustainability of pearl oyster beds and their significant contribution to blue carbon sequestration. Our work, in collaboration with local and global partners, supports not only the conservation of these unique habitats but also strengthens Bahrain's leadership in sustainable pearling. Through our engagement with the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, we are contributing to global efforts to build responsible and transparent supply chains, reinforcing the importance of ethical sourcing and marine biodiversity conservation in the jewellery industry. This roundtable is a key opportunity to discuss how scientific research, industry best practices, and sustainability policies can help balance economic development with long-term marine ecosystem protection—both in the region and beyond." SFME's Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place during the year in cities across region, taking an in-depth look at a diverse range of topics crucial to MENA's net-zero journey and broader sustainability goals. The Forum's mission is to foster dialogue and collaboration on decarbonisation initiatives in the region with its roundtables serving as platforms for stakeholders to exchange insights, explore opportunities, and drive meaningful collaboration for climate action on the part of the private sector. Supporting the Forum's annual calendar of events are the Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain, Strategic Partners: National Bank of Bahrain and Standard Chartered Bank, Forum Partners: Bapco Energies, Aluminium Bahrain, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Al Areen Holding, Benefit, Boston Consulting Group, Environment Arabia, First Motors, Foulath Holding, Gulf Air, Gulf International Bank, talabat, Forum Supporters: APM Terminals Bahrain and Sinnad, Learning Partner: Impact Learning and Development, and Media Partners: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, BFT Media, OGN, and Sustainable Finance Daily. -TradeArabia News Service
Biz Bahrain
16-03-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Sustainability Forum Middle East and DANAT to convene experts on marine ecosystems and climate action
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a regional platform dedicated to driving net zero and nature positive solutions, in collaboration with DANAT – Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones, will host a high-level roundtable on April 15, 2025 in Manama on 'Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action'. The first in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, the event aims to bring together leading experts and industry leaders to explore the role of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts in advancing climate resilience. Given the pivotal role oceans play in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, discussions will focus on strategies for integrating marine ecosystem preservation into broader sustainability and climate action frameworks. The event will feature a fireside chat with Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), of which DANAT is a member. In this session, Ms. Van der Veken will discuss the jewellery industry's commitment to sustainability and its role in conservation and climate action. WJI 2030, co-founded by Cartier and Kering in 2021, is a global initiative uniting watch and jewellery brands to commit to ambitious sustainability objectives, including building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. Members of WJI 2030 include prominent brands such as Chanel Horlogerie Joaillerie, Montblanc, Rosy Blue, and Swarovski, reflecting the initiative's significant impact on promoting sustainable practices within the industry. In addition to the fireside chat, the event will also feature two panel discussions: The first will focus on sustainable pearling as a nature-positive industry, examining how Bahrain's pearl oyster beds contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience, alongside efforts to document their carbon sequestration potential. The second panel will explore the broader role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development, including how sectors such as shipping, aluminium, and coastal infrastructure are integrating ocean conservation into their environmental strategies. Commenting, Ms. Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said, 'We are excited to launch our 2025 Decarbonisation Series by looking at the critical intersection of marine conservation and climate action in collaboration with DANAT and with participation from the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, which is working to drive sustainability across one of the world's most influential luxury industries. Beyond the jewellery industry, the discussions will also explore the broader role that the industrial sector is also playing in marine conservation and the very notable initiatives being undertaken by companies in Bahrain to integrate ocean sustainability into their ESG strategies as we work to balance economic development and environmental stewardship. The roundtable will provide a platform to explore how the protection of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate environmental responsibility can align with regional and international sustainability and climate goals.' Ms. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, added, 'At DANAT, we are dedicated to advancing scientific research and driving awareness of the environmental role played by Bahrain's marine ecosystems, particularly the sustainability of pearl oyster beds and their significant contribution to blue carbon sequestration. Our work, in collaboration with local and global partners, supports not only the conservation of these unique habitats but also strengthens Bahrain's leadership in sustainable pearling. Through our engagement with the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, we are contributing to global efforts to build responsible and transparent supply chains, reinforcing the importance of ethical sourcing and marine biodiversity conservation in the jewellery industry. This roundtable is a key opportunity to discuss how scientific research, industry best practices, and sustainability policies can help balance economic development with long-term marine ecosystem protection—both in the region and beyond.' SFME's Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place during the year in cities across region, taking an in-depth look at a diverse range of topics crucial to MENA's net-zero journey and broader sustainability goals. The Forum's mission is to foster dialogue and collaboration on decarbonisation initiatives in the region with its roundtables serving as platforms for stakeholders to exchange insights, explore opportunities, and drive meaningful collaboration for climate action on the part of the private sector. Supporting the Forum's annual calendar of events are the Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain, Strategic Partners: National Bank of Bahrain and Standard Chartered Bank, Forum Partners: Bapco Energies, Aluminium Bahrain, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Al Areen Holding, Benefit, Boston Consulting Group, Environment Arabia, First Motors, Foulath Holding, Gulf Air, Gulf International Bank B.S.C, talabat, Forum Supporters: APM Terminals Bahrain and Sinnad, Learning Partner: Impact Learning and Development, and Media Partners: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, BFT Media, OGN, and Sustainable Finance Daily.
Zawya
15-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sustainability Forum Middle East and DANAT to convene experts on marine ecosystems and climate action
Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 - founded by Cartier and Kering - to highlight its global sustainability efforts in a fireside chat. Manama – Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a regional platform dedicated to driving net zero and nature positive solutions, in collaboration with DANAT – Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones, will host a high-level roundtable on April 15, 2025 in Manama on "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action'. The first in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, the event aims to bring together leading experts and industry leaders to explore the role of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts in advancing climate resilience. Given the pivotal role oceans play in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, discussions will focus on strategies for integrating marine ecosystem preservation into broader sustainability and climate action frameworks. The event will feature a fireside chat with Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), of which DANAT is a member. In this session, Ms. Van der Veken will discuss the jewellery industry's commitment to sustainability and its role in conservation and climate action. WJI 2030, co-founded by Cartier and Kering in 2021, is a global initiative uniting watch and jewellery brands to commit to ambitious sustainability objectives, including building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. Members of WJI 2030 include prominent brands such as Chanel Horlogerie Joaillerie, Montblanc, Rosy Blue, and Swarovski, reflecting the initiative's significant impact on promoting sustainable practices within the industry. In addition to the fireside chat, the event will also feature two panel discussions: The first will focus on sustainable pearling as a nature-positive industry, examining how Bahrain's pearl oyster beds contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience, alongside efforts to document their carbon sequestration potential. The second panel will explore the broader role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development, including how sectors such as shipping, aluminium, and coastal infrastructure are integrating ocean conservation into their environmental strategies. Commenting, Ms. Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said, "We are excited to launch our 2025 Decarbonisation Series by looking at the critical intersection of marine conservation and climate action in collaboration with DANAT and with participation from the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, which is working to drive sustainability across one of the world's most influential luxury industries. Beyond the jewellery industry, the discussions will also explore the broader role that the industrial sector is also playing in marine conservation and the very notable initiatives being undertaken by companies in Bahrain to integrate ocean sustainability into their ESG strategies as we work to balance economic development and environmental stewardship. The roundtable will provide a platform to explore how the protection of blue carbon ecosystems, sustainable pearling, and corporate environmental responsibility can align with regional and international sustainability and climate goals.' Ms. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, added, "At DANAT, we are dedicated to advancing scientific research and driving awareness of the environmental role played by Bahrain's marine ecosystems, particularly the sustainability of pearl oyster beds and their significant contribution to blue carbon sequestration. Our work, in collaboration with local and global partners, supports not only the conservation of these unique habitats but also strengthens Bahrain's leadership in sustainable pearling. Through our engagement with the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, we are contributing to global efforts to build responsible and transparent supply chains, reinforcing the importance of ethical sourcing and marine biodiversity conservation in the jewellery industry. This roundtable is a key opportunity to discuss how scientific research, industry best practices, and sustainability policies can help balance economic development with long-term marine ecosystem protection—both in the region and beyond." SFME's Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place during the year in cities across region, taking an in-depth look at a diverse range of topics crucial to MENA's net-zero journey and broader sustainability goals. The Forum's mission is to foster dialogue and collaboration on decarbonisation initiatives in the region with its roundtables serving as platforms for stakeholders to exchange insights, explore opportunities, and drive meaningful collaboration for climate action on the part of the private sector. Supporting the Forum's annual calendar of events are the Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain, Strategic Partners: National Bank of Bahrain and Standard Chartered Bank, Forum Partners: Bapco Energies, Aluminium Bahrain, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Al Areen Holding, Benefit, Boston Consulting Group, Environment Arabia, First Motors, Foulath Holding, Gulf Air, Gulf International Bank B.S.C, talabat, Forum Supporters: APM Terminals Bahrain and Sinnad, Learning Partner: Impact Learning and Development, and Media Partners: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, BFT Media, OGN, and Sustainable Finance Daily. -Ends- About Sustainability Forum Middle East Sustainability Forum Middle East is a regional platform for promoting understanding and driving climate action on the part of the private sector, whose embracing of decarbonisation and the promotion of nature-based solutions is critical to meeting the net-zero and sustainability ambitions of the MENA countries. Annually, the Forum hosts a two-day Forum (next edition in January 2026) featuring expert-led workshops and high-level dialogue, as well as a series of roundtable events held across the region that delve into subjects critical to the drive towards decarbonisation and sustainable development of the MENA economies. For more information, please contact: FinMark Communications Email: ztaher@
Arab News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Women's voices should be at forefront of policy, says UN climate champion
MANAMA: Women leaders from the MENA region are playing a transformative role in advancing climate action, a UN climate champion told Arab News. 'Women leaders in green tech and the green economy remain a minority, representing 30 percent of climate negotiations and less than 3 percent at the helm of tech companies,' said Sarah El-Battouty, global ambassador for the UNFCCC Climate Change High-Level Champions. El-Battouty spoke to Arab News on the sidelines of the Sustainability Forum Middle East in Manama, Bahrain, where she attended the evening event titled 'Women's Leadership in Climate and Sustainability — Amplifying the Voices of MENA's Changemakers.' The event, held in partnership with Bahrain's Supreme Council for Women and the Supreme Council for Environment, aims to showcase the contributions of female experts from across the MENA region. El-Battouty, who is also chairwoman of ECONSULT Sustainable Architecture, highlighted the importance of diverse leadership, inclusive policymaking and technology in addressing the climate crisis. 'The role of the UNFCCC Climate Change High-Level Champions is critical to the policymaking and way forward for climate action and dialogue between stakeholders,' she said. El-Battouty said that for many years, climate discussions were dominated by governments and financial institutions, leaving the private sector as mere implementers of policies. She shed light on the underrepresentation of women in the green economy and tech sectors and the need for their inclusion. 'Among them, women have been selected on merit to put forward the case of solutions led and created by women for women and broader communities from all over the world,' El-Battouty said. She said that while women played a transformative role in driving climate action, they faced significant economic and social barriers, particularly in access to climate financing. El-Battouty said that challenges for women-led green initiatives in the MENA region often stemmed from systemic barriers rather than purely socio-cultural norms. 'There are hidden root causes less prominent than social norms verified as key limitations,' she said. Women-led initiatives struggle to secured financial resources due to gender biases in financing systems, El-Battouty said. 'They are financed in smaller installments and often encouraged to have a male executive to unlock further financing.' She added that limited ownership of assets, such as land, restricted women from securing collateral for loans. 'Many women risk their savings or become indebted from the outset.' El-Battouty added that unequal access to STEM education reduced opportunities for women to lead in technical and environmental fields. 'Less than 19 percent of women enter STEM education,' she said. El-Battouty said that advancing inclusive policies addressing the social dimensions of climate change — such as gender equality, education and community resilience — was essential. 'These policies ensure that marginalized groups, including women and children, are part of the solution and recognize that as the most vulnerable to loss and damage and migration, women's voices should be at the forefront of holistic policy frameworks,' she said. El-Battouty called for accessible and affordable technology to empower women across all demographics. 'Women engage collaborative approaches, especially with other women, because they recognize them as stakeholders of climate actions, ensuring their livelihoods are sustained and information is learned, co-developed and passed on to generations,' she said. El-Battouty said that women were critical advocates for inclusive and sustainable practices in industries such as housing and construction, which were responsible for nearly 40 percent of global emissions according to the UN. 'It is women in the industry who have advocated for the inclusion of rural villages, low-income housing and indigenous communities to be included in climate-resilient intervention and green buildings,' El-Battouty said. Despite challenges, she celebrated the achievements of women leaders in advancing inclusivity and sustainability. 'Women in climate take big risks and face adverse resistance, however, their activism is seeing disruptive and positive steps to be inclusive and leave no one behind,' El-Battouty said.
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MENA set to attract $1trln in renewable energy investment
The Mena region is projected to attract over $1 trillion in renewable energy investments by 2030, creating new industries, jobs, and opportunities for collaboration, said Mark Thomas, the Group CEO of Bapco Energies. He was delivering a keynote at the third edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East, which opened in Bahrain, yesterday (January 28), addressing Mena region's role in advancing global climate change initiatives and strengthening energy resilience. His address emphasised the region's potential to lead in sustainable energy solutions while balancing the challenges of the energy transition. "Partnerships between nations, industries, and institutions are the backbone of global climate action,' he stated at the event held under the patronage of Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina at the Crowne Plaza, Manama. The two-day forum has drawn more than 400 regional and international decision-makers, business leaders, and sustainability experts who will be discussing key strategies for aligning business models with climate action, scaling climate finance as well as advancing policy and regulatory frameworks, fostering innovation and accelerating technological progress, reported BNA. In his opening address, Dr Bin Daina said the launch of the third edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East builds on its local, regional and international successes. Bahrain remains commited to supporting initiatives and programmes that enhance national partnerships across various sectors and promote international cooperation with organisations and institutions in diverse areas of sustainable development, he stated. The minister emphasised the importance of collaboration, investment and decisive action to accelerate the energy transition and achieve decarbonisation goals in the Middle East and North Africa region. He also highlighted the need to continue efforts to enhance co-operation, coordination, and knowledge exchange among participating countries and organisations to address climate change, adapt to its impacts, and mitigate its causes, while reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to international climate, environmental, and sustainable development agreements. He wished the forum success in achieving its goals and delivering impactful recommendations. The opening day featured interactive discussions with more than 50 prominent speakers from the Mena region along with Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil and other regions taking part. The discussions covered critical topics essential to achieving regional net-zero ambitions, said the BNA report. On the second day, the forum will host a series of specialised workshops led by global consultants and regional firms specialising in environmental, social, and governance advisory and sustainability. These sessions aim to equip participants with the tools and expertise needed to develop effective sustainability strategies, enhance climate-related financial disclosures, and advance decarbonisation initiatives, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
