Latest news with #SustainabilityForumMiddleEast
Biz Bahrain
12-08-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Sustainability Forum Middle East to launch fourth edition in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Sustainability Forum Middle East announced that it will launch its fourth edition on January 27–28, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain, focusing on 'Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation.' The Forum will be held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment. The Forum expects another year of strong attendance and high-level engagement from over 400 senior business leaders and regional and international sustainability experts, with the two-day event featuring a world-class programme of keynotes, fireside chats, and interactive panel discussions covering topics essential to achieving the region's climate and net-zero ambitions, alongside a lineup of more than 50 expert speakers from MENA, Asia, Europe, and North and South America will share insights, strategies, and solutions on how to shape a sustainable climate economy through cooperation, mobilization, and innovation. Key themes will include strategies for aligning business models with climate action, aligning ambition and action across regional states, scaling financing for critical climate- and nature-positive initiatives, advancing policy and regulatory frameworks, human capital and capacity building, fostering innovation and accelerating technological advancements, and the role of women in climate, among others. Training and skills development will also continue as a key pillar of the Forum, with day two dedicated to human capital development. In partnership with leading global and regional consulting and advisory firms with strong ESG and climate practices, the Forum will offer practical learning workshops aimed at advancing understanding and skills to move sustainability and climate more effectively up the agenda of private and public organisations and helping them develop real capacity to act. Registration is now open for the Forum's fourth edition, which presents a valuable opportunity for participants to build partnerships with sector leaders from around the world and benefit from practical workshops designed to develop skills in sustainability, energy, and climate-related fields — supporting their readiness to contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Commenting, Ms. Laila Danesh, Managing Director at FinMark Communications, the Forum's founder and organiser, said, 'We are delighted to announce the Forum's fourth edition, which will again bring together an outstanding lineup of speakers, partners, and attendees. The Forum serves as a key regional platform for high-level engagement, dialogue, and capacity building to support MENA's climate action. We look forward to another meaningful programme that will feature discussions, promote hands-on learning, and foster collaboration — all aimed at supporting the current transformation of the regional economies as they move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.' For more information on the Forum and how to partner or register, please visit: or contact [email protected] / +973 17 749759.
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.
