Latest news with #Watch&JewelleryInitiative2030
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SFME, DANAT & WJI 2030 convene experts for high-level roundtable on marine ecosystems and climate action
Expert panels examined sustainable pearling and blue carbon, and the industrial sector's role in marine conservation. 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, and the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) today hosted a high-level roundtable in Manama on "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action '. The event, taking place at Al Baraka Islamic Bank, marked the first roundtable in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series and brought together regional and international experts to explore the role of marine ecosystems in climate resilience, including blue carbon solutions, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts. The roundtable opened with a fireside chat between Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), and Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT. The discussion shed light on the global jewellery sector's sustainability ambitions and the importance of responsible business practices in today's evolving regulatory and stakeholder landscape. Iris Van der Veken further emphasized the role of collective action and how it has the potential to accelerate the global sustainability agenda, contributing to ocean conservation. The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, co-founded by Kering and Cartier, delegated by Richemont, unites luxury watch and jewellery brands under a shared commitment to climate resilience, preserving resources and fostering inclusiveness. The roundtable continued with two expert-led panels. The first, focusing on sustainable pearling, featured Eng. Layla Ali Sabeel, Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Supreme Council for Environment, Dr. Sabah Al-Jenaid, Academic Supervisor of the Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Chair for GIS at Arabian Gulf University, and Mohamed Al Slaise, Field Researcher at DANAT, and was moderated by Dr. Manaf Alkhuzaei, Postdoctoral Researcher at Arabian Gulf University. The panel examined how scientific research, including recent assessments of Bahrain's pearl oyster beds by DANAT and the Supreme Council for Environment, can support sustainable pearling practices and reinforce the ecological and economic value of this heritage industry. The second panel addressed the role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development. It brought together Mahmood Abdulaziz, HSSE Manager at ASRY; Abdulrahman Almulla, Acting ESG Manager at Aluminium Bahrain; and Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Yusuf, ESD Postdoctoral Researcher in Pearl Oyster Biology and Sclerenology at DANAT, with moderation by Halel Engineer, Managing Director of Environment Arabia. The discussion highlighted how industrial sectors are embedding marine preservation into their environmental frameworks, supporting blue carbon strategies and long-term ecosystem protection. Commenting, Ms. Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said, 'We're proud to open our 2025 roundtable series with a conversation that unites science, industry, and sustainability under one roof. In partnership with DANAT and WJI 2030, this dialogue highlighted how sectors as diverse as jewellery and heavy industry can drive forward our shared goals for climate and ecological resilience.' Ms. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, added, 'Bahrain's marine ecosystems have long held both cultural and environmental significance. Through collaborative efforts with the Supreme Council for Environment and international partners, we are building a strong foundation for sustainable development that protects our natural heritage and supports broader climate objectives.' SFME's Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place during the year in cities across the MENA 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. 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@
Daily Tribune
16-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Sustainability Forum Middle East, DANAT and WJI 2030 convene experts for high-level regional talks
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), and the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) yesterday hosted a high-level roundtable in Manama on 'Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action'. The event, taking place at Al Baraka Islamic Bank, marked the first roundtable in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series and brought together regional and international experts to explore the role of marine ecosystems in climate resilience, including blue carbon solutions, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts. The roundtable opened with a fireside chat between Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), and Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT. The discussion shed light on the global jewellery sector's sustainability ambitions and the importance of responsible business practices in today's evolving regulatory and stakeholder landscape. Iris Van der Veken further emphasized the role of collective action and how it has the potential to accelerate the global sustainability agenda, contributing to ocean conservation. The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, co-founded by Kering and Cartier, delegated by Richemont, unites luxury watch and jewellery brands under a shared commitment to climate resilience, preserving resources and fostering inclusiveness. The roundtable continued with two expert-led panels. The first, focusing on sustainable pearling, featured Eng. Layla Ali Sabeel, Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Supreme Council for Environment, Dr. Sabah Al-Jenaid, Academic Supervisor of the Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Chair for GIS at Arabian Gulf University, and Mohamed Al Slaise, Field Researcher at DANAT, and was moderated by Dr. Manaf Alkhuzaei, Postdoctoral Researcher at Arabian Gulf University. The panel examined how scientific research, including recent assessments of Bahrain's pearl oyster beds by DANAT and the Supreme Council for Environment, can support sustainable pearling practices and reinforce the ecological and economic value of this heritage industry. The second panel addressed the role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sustainability Forum Middle East, DANAT & WJI 2030 convene experts for high-level roundtable on marine ecosystems and climate action
Expert panels examined sustainable pearling and blue carbon, and the industrial sector's role in marine conservation. 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, and the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) today hosted a high-level roundtable in Manama on "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action '. The event, taking place at Al Baraka Islamic Bank, marked the first roundtable in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series and brought together regional and international experts to explore the role of marine ecosystems in climate resilience, including blue carbon solutions, sustainable pearling, and corporate marine conservation efforts. The roundtable opened with a fireside chat between Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030), and Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT. The discussion shed light on the global jewellery sector's sustainability ambitions and the importance of responsible business practices in today's evolving regulatory and stakeholder landscape. Iris Van der Veken further emphasized the role of collective action and how it has the potential to accelerate the global sustainability agenda, contributing to ocean conservation. The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, co-founded by Kering and Cartier, delegated by Richemont, unites luxury watch and jewellery brands under a shared commitment to climate resilience, preserving resources and fostering inclusiveness. The roundtable continued with two expert-led panels. The first, focusing on sustainable pearling, featured Eng. Layla Ali Sabeel, Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Supreme Council for Environment, Dr. Sabah Al-Jenaid, Academic Supervisor of the Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Chair for GIS at Arabian Gulf University, and Mohamed Al Slaise, Field Researcher at DANAT, and was moderated by Dr. Manaf Alkhuzaei, Postdoctoral Researcher at Arabian Gulf University. The panel examined how scientific research, including recent assessments of Bahrain's pearl oyster beds by DANAT and the Supreme Council for Environment, can support sustainable pearling practices and reinforce the ecological and economic value of this heritage industry. The second panel addressed the role of industry in marine conservation and sustainable coastal development. It brought together Mahmood Abdulaziz, HSSE Manager at ASRY; Abdulrahman Almulla, Acting ESG Manager at Aluminium Bahrain; and Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Yusuf, ESD Postdoctoral Researcher in Pearl Oyster Biology and Sclerenology at DANAT, with moderation by Halel Engineer, Managing Director of Environment Arabia. The discussion highlighted how industrial sectors are embedding marine preservation into their environmental frameworks, supporting blue carbon strategies and long-term ecosystem protection. Commenting, Ms. Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said, 'We're proud to open our 2025 roundtable series with a conversation that unites science, industry, and sustainability under one roof. In partnership with DANAT and WJI 2030, this dialogue highlighted how sectors as diverse as jewellery and heavy industry can drive forward our shared goals for climate and ecological resilience.' Ms. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, added, 'Bahrain's marine ecosystems have long held both cultural and environmental significance. Through collaborative efforts with the Supreme Council for Environment and international partners, we are building a strong foundation for sustainable development that protects our natural heritage and supports broader climate objectives.' SFME's Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place during the year in cities across the MENA 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. 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.
Trade Arabia
16-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sustainability Forum, Danat to discuss blue carbon ecosystems
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a regional platform dedicated to driving net zero and nature positive solutions, in collaboration with Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (Danat), will host a high-level roundtable on on "Oceans at the Frontline: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action." To be held on April 15 in capital Manama, the event, a first in SFME's 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, will bring together leading experts and industry leaders who will 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, said the organisers FinMark Communications. 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, they stated. 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. On the upcoming event, Laila Danesh, the Managing Director of FinMark Communications, 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 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," stated Danesh. "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," he added. Danat CEO Noora Jamsheer said: "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," observed Jamsheer. "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," she stated. "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," she added. 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.
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
