More than 700 private and public sector representatives from across the Gulf Region and beyond will join a forum in Qatar that will discuss how the region can foster healthy economic growth and job creation for the benefit of succeeding generations.

Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, chairman of Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy & Sustainable Development and Qatar’s former deputy prime minister and former minister of energy and industry, will share his insights on the multiple benefits of sustainable energy development at the Second Regional Forum of the Pearl Initiative and the United Nations Global Compact.

Titled ‘Sustainability in Action: Business and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, the forum will be held on October 27 at Conrad Hotel, Dubai, UAE.

Al-Attiyah's insights will be shared as part of an executive dialogue session on ‘Sustainable Energy Development in the Region’ moderated by Hamid Jafar, chairman, Crescent Group of Companies and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Pearl Initiative.

It is set to take place following the opening Prosperity session, which is one of five overarching forum themes - the others being Peace, Planet, Partnerships and People.

The forum is set to convene at a time when global experts are examining the impact of sustainable energy development on holistic, long-term social and economic growth. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) titled Renewable Energy Benefits: Measuring the Economics, highlights that doubling the share of renewables by 2030 can enhance the global gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 1.1 percent, improve global welfare by 3.7 percent and create opportunities for around 24 million people working in the renewable energy space.

Al-Attiyah said: “At a time when the region is focused on diversifying its energy mix, we must understand the role of our existing energy companies in advancing the global sustainability effort. Once we identify the region’s current approach and discuss international best practices, we will be well-placed to adapt new and progressive strategies in line with evolving technology, innovation and ideas. I look forward to discussing this critical issue in-depth at the upcoming regional forum.”

The forum will be organised under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and honorary chairman of the Pearl Initiative, who is also expected to deliver the opening keynote address along with a special video address delivered by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

Carla Koffel, executive director, Pearl Initiative, said: “Given the inextricable links between corporate governance and sustainability, balancing corporate priorities with social welfare and environmental impact is at the forefront of corporate agendas worldwide. Towards this goal, Pearl Initiative and the United Nations Global Compact are working synergistically to identify ways to address the three-fold agenda of ‘profits, planet and people’. Implementing a collaborative approach, we look forward to welcoming and engaging with regional business leaders at the Sustainability in Action forum that is certain to bring to light new perspectives and solutions to achieve the end goal.”

The forum is supported by The Abraaj Group, Al Jomaih Group, Chalhoub Group, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), Crescent Petroleum and RWE. - TradeArabia News Service