The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will continue as a Strategic Partner of Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) for its fifth edition, scheduled for January 26–27, 2027, in Bahrain, as the platform expands its focus on sustainable finance, climate action and business resilience.

Held with the support of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment, the forum will convene regional and international business leaders, policymakers, investors and sustainability experts under the theme “Sustainability for Value Creation – Driving Resilience, Innovation and Growth.”

The event takes place in the presence of Dr Mohamed Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs.

The renewed partnership extends the Memorandum of Understanding between UNDP and FinMark Communications, SFME’s founder and organiser, through the end of 2027.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation on advocacy, knowledge exchange and capacity development, supporting Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2027 edition will examine how sustainability can strengthen economic competitiveness, attract investment and create business opportunities.

Key topics will include sustainable finance, resilient energy systems, artificial intelligence for climate solutions, natural capital, supply chain resilience and circular economy models.

Asmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in Bahrain, said, “We are pleased to continue our strategic partnership with Sustainability Forum Middle East for its fifth edition. Sustainability is central to building resilient economies and creating lasting opportunities for people and businesses. By bringing together policymakers, the private sector and development partners, the Forum provides an important opportunity to connect expertise, finance and innovation with practical action that supports national priorities and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Chairperson of SFME, said the partnership would strengthen regional collaboration and connect local sustainability priorities with international expertise.

“We are delighted that UNDP will continue as a Strategic Partner as SFME enters its fifth edition. UNDP brings valuable development expertise and international perspectives to our platform, helping connect regional priorities with the wider global agenda. This year’s focus on value creation reflects the growing importance of sustainability to business performance, investment and economic resilience. We look forward to working together to strengthen the partnerships and practical knowledge needed to accelerate implementation across Bahrain and the wider region.”

Beyond the annual forum, SFME organises roundtables and learning initiatives throughout the year to support knowledge exchange, skills development and cooperation on sustainability and climate action.

The continued UNDP partnership will contribute to these activities, with an emphasis on translating discussions into practical outcomes.

The forum’s fourth edition is supported by financial institutions, industrial companies, professional organisations, educational institutions and media partners, reflecting broad private-sector engagement in sustainability across Bahrain and the wider region. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service