The fifth edition of the Sustainability Forum Middle East will take place on 26–27 January 2027 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 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."
She added, "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." The event convenes stakeholders to address regional environmental and economic objectives through collaborative efforts.
Theme and Forum Objectives
Organizers scheduled the fifth edition of the forum under the theme "Sustainability for Value Creation – Driving Resilience, Innovation and Growth." This programme focuses on the intersection of corporate sustainability, long-term investment strategies, and economic adaptability within the region.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, will attend the event. His presence aligns with the forum’s objective of bridging governmental environmental policy with private sector engagement.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and FinMark Communications have extended their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the end of 2027. This agreement solidifies the ongoing collaboration between the two entities regarding the operational delivery of the forum.
Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Chairperson of Sustainability Forum Middle East, addressed the extension of the partnership. "We are delighted that UNDP will continue as a Strategic Partner as SFME enters its fifth edition," she said. "UNDP brings valuable development expertise and international perspectives to our platform, helping connect regional priorities with the wider global agenda."
Danesh noted the shift in the event's primary focus for the upcoming cycle. "This year’s focus on value creation reflects the growing importance of sustainability to business performance, investment and economic resilience," she stated. "We look forward to working together to strengthen the partnerships and practical knowledge needed to accelerate implementation across Bahrain and the wider region."