RIYADH: Ministers, global experts, and business and sustainability leaders will convene in Bahrain in January for the fourth Sustainability Forum Middle East as the region seeks to turn climate pledges from COP30 into concrete action.



The forum, one of the region’s leading platforms for climate dialogue and action, will open with a special address by Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

His participation underscores the event’s growing importance as Gulf states accelerate industrial transformation and deepen engagement in global sustainability pathways.

FASTFACT

Experts from the GCC, Europe, the US, and Asia will explore how to strengthen investment flows, scale innovation, and foster cross-border cooperation.

Held under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Bahrain’s oil and environment minister and special envoy for climate affairs, and supported by the Supreme Council for Environment, SFME 2026 will convene more than 400 regional and international leaders.

With COP30 commitments fresh in mind, the forum will focus on practical steps to deliver on climate pledges.

Discussions will span climate finance, national sustainability strategies, energy transition, industrial decarbonization, carbon and biodiversity markets, and next-generation technologies such as AI and digital twins. Human capital development and institutional readiness will also feature prominently.

Experts from the GCC, Europe, the US, and Asia will explore how to strengthen investment flows, scale innovation, and foster cross-border cooperation.

Panels on high-integrity carbon markets, biodiversity valuation, and Article 6 developments will spotlight emerging opportunities for credible, investable climate impact.

A major highlight is SFME’s year-long strategic partnership with the UN Development Programme, which will lead high-level panels, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives throughout 2026.

The program also includes a Women’s Leadership Breakfast on Sustainability and the launch of the Sustainability Future Lab — a youth innovation challenge powered by KPMG and supported by the Higher Education Council.

Technical workshops from UNDP, KPMG, and Anthesis Group will provide practical tools for policymakers and business leaders.

With strong regional and global participation, SFME 2026 aims to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and action, advancing the Middle East’s climate and energy transition.