• His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, shares his insights on the vital role of trade in supporting and advancing the sustainability agenda.
• Eng. Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group: “We have taken concrete steps to ensure that our commitments to sustainability translate into real impact in the world, through reliance on renewable energy and integration of artificial intelligence.”

Abu Dhabi: Under the chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade in the United Arab Emirates, the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit 2024 kicked off in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future”, to enhance global efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The summit brings together influential leaders, innovators and experts from across sectors, playing a crucial role in the global drive towards sustainable and equitable development. Trade is a key pillar of this year’s summit agenda.

The opening of the summit was attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Ahmed Al Nahyan, Founder of the Sustainable Future Initiative (SFI), Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, and Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group.

His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi opened the summit, where he highlighted in his keynote speech the role played by the UAE as a global trading hub in enhancing the sustainability of supply chains, which are key drivers of growth worldwide.

“The UAE has long recognised that sustainability is closely linked to the country’s ambitions and strategic plans to achieve economic diversification, through the creation of new sectors, innovative competencies and new means of value creation. Sustainability is therefore a challenge that we must embrace as a catalyst for innovation,” His Excellency said.

“As a key hub in global supply chains, the UAE recognises that trade plays a vital role in achieving sustainability goals, and continues to lead international efforts to shape a new future for the global trade system that is smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive. By embracing innovation, forging strategic partnerships and creating new global frameworks, it embraces sustainability as a catalyst for a better and more prosperous future,” His Excellency added.

“We are all responsible for creating opportunities to advance the sustainability agenda globally and regionally,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. “This annual summit brings together some of the most influential leaders from across the environmental spectrum to share their insights and expertise, inspiring the world towards a better future. We are extremely proud to present this pivotal platform, and look forward to seeing the tangible positive impact it will have for all.”

“We are the generation that witnessed climate change, and we must be the generation that reverses it. Our legacy must be restoration, not destruction. These global challenges require local solutions. Sustainability is not just a destination, it is an ongoing journey. Every step we take, whether in protecting and restoring coastlines, building resilient infrastructure, or rethinking how we manage water and resources, brings us closer to a better tomorrow,” said Eng. Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group.

Before discussions on the most pressing sustainability issues facing the world began, the first day of the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit saw a creative touch from artist Hind Khalifat, who presented a live canvas painting performance.

The summit aims to empower global leaders, sector experts and stakeholders to address urgent environmental challenges. The agenda includes a variety of discussions, sessions, interviews and presentations, on topics including public policy for green goals, economic growth, community well-being, climate action through sustainable finance, and the protection of essential resources.

In addition to His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade in the United Arab Emirates, prominent speakers at the summit included: Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group, Saeed Al Ghafri, CEO of Emirates Steel, a subsidiary of Emsteel Group, Mohammed BinGhatti, Chairman of BinGhatti Holding, Othman Ibrahim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Rawabi Holding Group, Saeed Zaatar, CEO of Contact Financial Holding Group, Saeed Al Shamsi, Chief Human Resources Officer at ADNEC Group, Majed Marei, CEO of Magnum Group, Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna City, Ghaya Al Ahbabi, UNICEF Ambassador at COP28, and the youngest sustainability ambassador in the Youth for Sustainability program Y4S.

Attendees at the summit participated in a series of inspiring interactive activities and workshops, and the first day included sessions on designing healthy spaces with plants, encouraging recycling, and promoting wellness using aromatherapy and essential oils. The summit activities were accompanied by a cultural center and an art gallery that showcased creative works designed from sustainable materials, with the aim of promoting green practices in innovative and purposeful ways.

Forbes Middle East has partnered with a number of distinguished partners to launch the summit, including lead partner NMDC Group, strategic partner Abu Dhabi Chamber, Zayed Sustainability Prize, host partner ADNEC Group, platinum partner Roshen Group, sustainability partner Nema, and other partners: Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Steel Arkan, Binhatti Developers, Forbes World Tower, in addition to Contact Financial Holding, EFS Facilities Management Services, Damac, Holistified, LivHoli, Dubai Drums, Amazonas4u, House of Pops, Switch Foods, Barakat Group, as well as Innara, Peaceful, Barriya, BloomSpoon, Touch of Oud, Fit Verse, Daima, No More Bottles UAE, BluSmart, Manoth Entertainment, Rominds Production, Electra, Desert Group, and Evolution Events. Indigo Hotel, Business Bay, Reloop and Hatta Honey.

About Forbes Middle East:

Forbes Middle East is licensed by the global Forbes brand as the exclusive edition of the Arab world, and seeks to promote business journalism. Our online and social media platforms cover breaking news on topics including: billionaires, businesses and investments, technology, economics and entrepreneurship, leadership and luxury lifestyle. Our monthly magazine features exclusive interviews with the most influential and innovative leaders in the Middle East, and is published in English and Arabic, with digital versions available to regional and global readers via our website.

Forbes Middle East has sought to establish the Forbes brand across the Arab world, conducting its own comprehensive research to publish its lists according to precise methodologies, and its content attracts business leaders and investors, and a wide audience of ambitious and influential executives.

For more information, please contact: raquel@forbesmiddleeast.com

-I finish-

#Corporate Data

Disclaimer for the content of press releases
The content of this press release is provided by a third party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, or have control over, such content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates are responsible for the accuracy, endorsement or completeness of the opinions, views, information or materials contained in this content.
The press releases are provided for informational purposes only; the content does not provide legal, investment or tax advice or any opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. We, or our affiliates, will not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on the content. You expressly agree and acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for the use of the information contained in these press releases.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, REFINITIV, ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ADVERTISERS, CONTENT PROVIDERS AND LICENSORS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “REFINITIV PARTIES”) WILL NOT BE LIABLE (JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY) TO YOU FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES; This includes, but is not limited to: lost profits, lost savings or revenues, whether caused by negligence, tort, contract or other liability theories, even if the Refinitiv Parties have been advised of the possibility of any such damages and losses or had actually anticipated their occurrence.