Emirati Leadership And Climate Diplomacy Shape UAE's Future At Davos 2026 Fireside Chat

During the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at Davos, held under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan underlined how cooperation is crucial for achieving the UAE’s net zero target by 2050, speaking during a fireside chat with Mina Al Oraibi at the UAE Pavilion.

Addressing climate diplomacy, Sheikha Shamma said, "Events such as Davos and the COP summits provide an opportunity for negotiation, collaboration, and progress – as long as all parties come to the table willing to talk and learn and play their role in climate diplomacy so we can build a peaceful and sustainable future."

The discussion with Mina Al Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief of The National, focused on how Sheikha Shamma links leadership, sustainability, social impact, and cultural responsibility. Speaking as President & CEO of Frontier25 and The Climate Tribe, Sheikha Shamma outlined how Davos offers a setting where business, government, and civil society examine shared climate challenges.

Sheikha Shamma also reflected on work undertaken as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, highlighting a "Heritage to Horizon" programme hosted in Abu Dhabi in October 2025 for a global YGL cohort. Audience members at Davos described how that visit shaped their understanding of Abu Dhabi’s history, growth, and strategic ambitions in technology and sustainability.

Detailing that initiative, Sheikha Shamma explained, "The aim was to teach the cohort about our history and culture and showcase how Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE has developed into a global hub for technological advancement. I am very proud to be a part of such an inspiring cohort of influential and forward-thinking young leaders. Being able to take part in these platforms for dialogue and knowledge-sharing is a constant source of learning opportunities and new ideas."

Beyond international forums, Sheikha Shamma described how several UAE-based organisations support climate and social agendas. These include climate action advisory Frontier25, creative collective The Climate Tribe, DEI impact agency Aurora50, energy and water consultancy Reset MENA, and sustainability consultancy Alliances for Global Sustainability, which together reflect a model of Emirati leadership grounded in long-term thinking and cultural awareness.

Outlining that approach, Sheikha Shamma said, "For me, leadership is about impact and progress. I hope to make a positive difference in the world around me and inspire other people to do the same. We have inherited multicultural cities that flourish today as global hubs of business, technology, and tourism. We are living proof of what ambitious and astute leadership can achieve. Now we must ask ourselves how we can continue to build on this and contribute to what comes next in a world that is constantly changing and advancing at a rapid pace."

The Davos conversation presented Sheikha Shamma’s activities as part of a wider push for UAE climate leadership, linking domestic initiatives with global platforms. Her work with Frontier25, The Climate Tribe, Aurora50, Reset MENA, and Alliances for Global Sustainability, combined with the Young Global Leader network, positions Abu Dhabi as a centre for dialogue on climate, culture, and inclusive growth.

With inputs from WAM