Forbes Middle East Launches 3rd Annual Sustainability Leaders Summit Focused On Climate Action

The third edition of the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit commenced with a focus on sustainability, chaired by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The summit, themed "Guided by Legacy, Committed to Sustainability," highlighted the UAE’s significant role in promoting climate action and transitioning towards a green economy.

Held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, the summit was organised in partnership with key entities like the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Zayed Sustainability Prize. It gathered global leaders, decision-makers from both public and private sectors, sustainability experts, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss innovative solutions for balancing economic growth with environmental care.

The event spotlighted investment opportunities in the green economy while exploring solutions that align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised that the summit serves as an integrated platform uniting governments, private sectors, and youth under a shared vision for a sustainable future.

Dr. Amna stated that addressing climate change, developing sustainable agriculture, preserving ecosystems, promoting green economies, and transitioning to sustainable production systems are vital for balanced development. She stressed that aligning environmental policies with economic and social transformations is crucial for sustainable growth.

Sheikha Dr. Shamma Mohammed Khalid Al Nahyan highlighted water scarcity as a threat to societal stability during her address titled "A Drop of Awareness." She noted that societies failing to find sustainable water solutions risk compromising social security. Conscious water management is essential for societal resilience.

Sheikha Shamma also mentioned President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative in 2024. This initiative aims to tackle global water scarcity through technological innovation and effective resource management.

Youth Empowerment Initiatives

A notable announcement was the creation of the Forbes Middle East Youth Council. This new platform empowers young people to shape their future vision by enhancing leadership skills and fostering innovation. The council aims to embed a culture of environmental and social sustainability across its initiatives.

The first day concluded with a ceremony honouring CEOs and organisations leading sustainability efforts. This underscored that building a green future requires collective effort across all sectors of society.

Abu Dhabi's Role in Sustainability

Khuloud Al Omian, CEO of Forbes Middle East, opened the summit by highlighting its spirit of collaboration in driving climate action. She described Abu Dhabi as "a capital of environmental thought," reaffirming the region’s commitment to turning vision into reality for humanity and Earth.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri emphasised Abu Dhabi’s approach to sustainability by placing nature at the heart of development. She noted that environmental health underpins economic prosperity and social well-being through science, technology, and partnerships.

Technological Innovations

The first day's discussions focused on ESGs' role in fostering economic growth alongside public-private partnerships driving scalable solutions. Sessions explored industrial transformations in the region, highlighting advanced technology's role in reducing emissions for sustainable economic systems.

The summit affirmed UAE's commitment under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership towards achieving sustainability across all sectors at national and global levels.

The event wrapped up by reiterating that every investment in nature is an investment in our planet's future. Collaboration fuels climate action where youth drive change through active participation across various fields.

With inputs from WAM