Sustainability Forum Middle East 2026 Announces UN Envoy Dr. Mohieldin as Key Speaker

The fourth edition of the Sustainability Forum Middle East will be held on January 27–28, 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, with H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development, delivering the keynote address. The event will be attended by H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, and is supported by the Supreme Council for Environment.

Dr. Mohieldin will open the Forum with a speech titled “In a New Climate Economy”, sharing his insights on innovation, energy systems, and the transformation of capital. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in global finance, development, and climate diplomacy, he will discuss ways for regional economies to accelerate sustainable growth, mobilise capital, and boost competitiveness.

A respected global economist, Dr. Mohieldin has served in senior roles at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and as Egypt’s first Minister of Investment. He also co-leads the UN Secretary-General’s Expert Group on Debt Solutions and was the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP27.

The Forum will be held under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation”, bringing together over 400 leaders from government, finance, industry, academia, and technology. A special address will be delivered by H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, highlighting regional cooperation on climate, energy, and competitiveness priorities.

The two-day programme will include a high-level National Vision panel with ministers and senior officials, focusing on national competitiveness, climate readiness, and economic resilience. Other sessions will explore strategies for climate-aligned business models, energy transition, industrial decarbonisation, AI and emerging technologies, carbon and biodiversity markets, and human capital development for the green economy.

Practical workshops will be offered by KPMG, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Anthesis Group, helping organisations integrate climate considerations into their strategy, operations, and reporting.

The 2026 Forum is supported by lead partners SAFA and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK); strategic partner UNDP; forum partners Alba, ASRY, BASREC, GARMCO, and AmCham Bahrain; learning partner Impact for Learning & Development; media partners Arab News and Al Ayam; and marketing partner The Butterfly Effect.