Leading global and regional advisory organisations, policymakers, sustainability leaders, and business decision-makers with actionable strategies will be in Bahrain for the Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) event where they will discuss ways to tackle climate risks, navigate evolving markets and embed sustainability into core business models.

Held in the presence of Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, and with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment, the Forum's fourth edition will be convened under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation” on January 27 and 28.

It will host a series of expert-led, interactive workshops on January 28, hosted by Strathclyde University, the Forum’s Learning Partner, offering participants practical tools and insights to accelerate climate action, strengthen resilience and unlock sustainable growth opportunities.

Aligned with this theme, the workshops are designed to move beyond ambition toward execution. The following workshops will be delivered and will be open to all registered participants of the Forum:

•KPMG – Future-Proofing Business: Climate Action and Responsible Sourcing for the GCC- It is an interactive workshop exploring how organisations can build credible net-zero roadmaps, set science-based emission targets, and embed transparency and ethics across supply chains, supported by real-world case studies and a hands-on team challenge.

•UNDP – Navigating Carbon Markets in the Arab States: A Guide for Public and Private Sectors - A practical deep-dive into carbon markets, carbon pricing and Article 6 mechanisms, examining how high-integrity carbon markets can unlock climate finance, support national development goals, and drive regional collaboration, drawing on recent global climate outcomes and regional case studies.

•Anthesis Group – Sustainability, Reputation & Growth: How to Deliver Measurable Value - A strategic session focused on how sustainability can drive financial performance and reputational advantage, providing leaders with evidence-based insights to act confidently, communicate effectively, and mitigate the risks of greenwashing and greenhushing.

On the upcoming event, Zahraa Taher, the Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the Forum’s Founder and Organiser, said: "We are pleased to present this year’s workshops, delivered by leading global organisations and sustainability experts, and designed to support businesses and institutions in translating climate commitments into practical action."

"These sessions focus on implementation, credibility, and value creation, equipping participants with the tools they need to strengthen resilience, unlock opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s energy and climate transition," she stated.

The Forum is expected to welcome more than 400 senior policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability experts from across the region and beyond, with a world-class programme featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, and high-level panel discussions. 

More than 50 expert speakers from the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, the UK, US and beyond will share insights, strategies and solutions, engaging audiences in critical discussions on accelerating the net-zero transition, including climate-aligned business transformation, diplomacy and policy alignment and transition finance.

It will also put spotlight on the expanding role of carbon and biodiversity markets, energy transition and industrial decarbonization as well as AI and next-generation technologies and human capital development and capacity building.

The 2026 edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East is supported by Lead Partners SAFA and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK); Strategic Partners United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Gulf International Bank (GIB), and Bank ABC; Forum Partners Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company (BASREC), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill (GARMCO), and the American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain); Supporting Partners Tamkeen, Hassan Radhi & Associates, and United Enterprises; Learning Partner Strathclyde University and Impact for Learning & Development; and Media Partners Arab News, Al Ayam, OGN, Trade Arabia, BFT Media and The Butterfly Effect.-TradeArabia News Service