Overview

The third edition of the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit, chaired by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment , and presented by NMDC Group, will take place on the 14th and 15th of October 2025 in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Guided By Legacy, Committed To Sustainability.” This two-day event aims to promote sustainable development and climate resilience while driving economic growth.

 

The Sustainability Leaders Summit serves as a collaborative platform for public and private sector stakeholders across the region to develop and implement green, sustainable practices tailored to the diverse challenges faced by Middle Eastern countries. On a broader scale, the summit plays a pivotal role in the global fight against climate change by fostering innovative solutions that prioritize social well-being and environmental stewardship, creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.

Speakers

Stay tuned for the 3rd edition line up of speakers and to view the 2nd edition speakers Click Here

Youth Hub

Moderators

Social Impact Guests

Workshops

Agenda

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

10:00 – 10:25 am

Registration and Networking

10:30 – 10:35 am

National Anthem

10:40 – 10:45 am

Welcome Address & Opening Video by Forbes Middle East

10:50 – 10:55 am

Opening Act

11:00 – 11:05 am

Opening Address by NMDC Group

11:10 – 11:15 am

Keynote Address: UAE’s Climate Action Leadership – Steering Towards a Net Zero Future

As the world accelerates toward net zero, discover how the UAE is taking centre stage, leading with a collective vision, transforming sustainability ambitions into tangible action.

11:20 – 11:25 am

Special Address: Environment Vision 2030: A Model for Harmony Between Progress and Planet

Explore how the UAE is driving climate action through the integration of environmental, economic, and social strategies, highlighting the emirate’s efforts in sustainable development, climate resilience, and advancing a low-carbon economy.

11:30 am – 11:50 am

Interactive Q&A with H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment

In this interactive session, youth representatives take the stage to engage directly with H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak. Through candid questions and meaningful dialogue, the next generation explores the UAE’s climate vision, the role of innovation in environmental stewardship, and how young people can actively contribute to building a more sustainable future.

11:55 – 12:05 pm

Fireside Chat: ESG at the Core – Guiding the Next Wave of Climate-Conscious Growth

A look at how ESG-led strategies are shaping impactful growth, driving environmental progress while advancing resilience, purpose, and community impact.

12:10 – 12:30 pm

Panel: Aligning Ambitions- Powering Scalable Sustainability through Public-Private Synergy

From policy to practice, discover how collaboration and partnership are key to unlocking scalable, game-changing sustainability solutions.

12:35 – 12:55 pm

Panel: Carbon Responsibility in Action: The Industrial Shift Towards Climate-Aligned National Growth

Discover how heavy industries are cutting emissions at scale through innovation, circular practices, and cleaner production, aligning with national climate goals and redefining regional industrial sustainability across the region.

1:00 – 1:10 pm

Fireside Chat: From Compliance to Credibility – Embedding Climate Risk into Corporate Governance

As expectations around ESG reporting rise, this session explores how companies are evolving governance practices to integrate climate risk, ensure regulatory readiness, and build long-term stakeholder trust.

1:15 – 1:35 pm

Panel: Financing the Shift: Investing in the Circular Economy

A deep dive into the money moves powering the shift to a greener economy, where investments in circular models and sustainable innovation are proving both profitable and planet-positive.

1:35 – 2:30 pm

Networking Lunch

2:35 – 2:55 pm

Panel: The Clean Power Pivot: Advancing Renewables for Long-Term Energy Security

As the world leans into cleaner energy, this session explores how renewable power is reshaping energy systems to ensure long-term stability, independence, and sustainability.

3:00 – 3:20 pm

Panel: Planet-Proof Capital: Financing Innovation, Inclusion, and the Green Transition

As climate imperatives reshape markets, this session explores how purpose-driven capital is financing climate tech, empowering SMEs, and delivering inclusive, long-term national value beyond financial returns.

3:25 – 3:45 pm

Panel: Climate, Commerce, and Collaboration: Rethinking Trade for a Greener Future

Learn how mindful trade practices can forge robust economies that truly endure, safeguarding both prosperity and our planet.

3:50 – 4:10 pm

Panel: Powering the Transition: Resilient Systems for a Decarbonized Tomorrow

Explore how leaders are reimagining how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed, driving the shift toward clean, efficient, and decarbonized systems through innovation, resilient infrastructure, and collaboration.

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

10:00 – 10:30 am

Registration and Networking

10:35 – 10:40 am

Opening Act

10:45 – 10:50 am

Welcome Address by Forbes Middle East

10:55 – 11:00 am

Special Address: Our Planet, Our Pledge: A Global Call for Collective Climate Resolve

A look at how the UAE and its partners are moving beyond pledges, forging practical steps toward a truly net-zero future.

11:05 – 11:25 am

Panel: The Climate Code: Utilizing AI & Advanced Technologies to Predict, Prevent, and Protect

We learn from experts on how cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced data systems are being harnessed to drive smarter, faster, and more effective solutions for a sustainable future.

11:30 – 11:45 am

Panel: Nature’s Climate Toolkit: Restoring Ecosystems to Restore the Planet

From mangrove restoration to desert rewilding and biodiversity credits, this session explores bold strategies that restore ecosystems, empower communities, and build lasting carbon sinks.

11:50 – 12:10 pm

Panel: Embedding ESG and Risk Resilience into National Development Goals

Explore how organizational leaders across sectors are embedding ESG frameworks and risk resilience into their strategies to drive long-term sustainability, institutional stability, and economic competitiveness.

12:15 – 12:35 pm

Panel: The Smart City Blueprint: Leveraging Technology, Infrastructure, and Energy for a Climate Positive Tomorrow

Uncover how the seamless integration of tech, infrastructure, and energy is paving the way for cities that are built to last and thrive sustainably.

12:40 – 1:00 pm

Panel: Scaling Agri-Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Food-Secure Future

Join pioneers who are rethinking agriculture at scale- closing the gap between abundance and access - one smart solution at a time.

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Networking Lunch

2:05 – 2:25 pm

Panel: Building with Community in Mind: Redefining Urban Living Through Green Innovation

A conversation on how purposeful design is shaping next-generation urban living. Discover how sustainable infrastructure, integrated mobility, and community-focused planning are transforming urban landscapes into thriving, inclusive, and resilient environments that prioritize well-being and harmony.

2:30 – 2:50 pm

Panel: Leveraging Advanced Analytics and Climate Resilient Strategies

Spotlighting the latest breakthroughs in data-driven climate tools that are being leveraged by governments, industries, and communities to plan smarter, act faster, and build lasting resilience.

2:55 – 3:15 pm

Panel: The Green Enterprise Era: Youth at the Helm of Innovation and Impact

Meet the next generation of changemakers transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions. This inspiring discussion spotlights young entrepreneurs from the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) community, who are proving that youth-led innovation can drive both environmental impact and enterprise success.

3:20 – 3:40 pm

Panel: Eco-Tourism in the Middle East as a Nexus of Nature, Culture, and Innovation

Discover how the Middle East is redefining eco-tourism by blending natural heritage, rich culture, and forward-thinking innovation to craft sustainable experiences with global appeal.

3:45 – 4:05 pm

Panel: The New Gen Influence – Young Changemakers at the Frontlines of Global Climate Movement

This session highlights the vital role of youth in driving the global sustainability movement. The next generation isn’t just speaking up—they’re taking action, leading bold initiatives, and shaping a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

4:10 – 4:30 pm

Panel: Pioneering the Green Shift in Art, Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle

Where creativity meets conscience, this session spotlights the trailblazers reimagining beauty, style, and art in harmony with the planet.

Youth Hub Agenda

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

12:35 – 12:55 pm

Fireside Chat: Voices of the Future: UAE Youth Driving Climate Policy & Diplomacy

Across the UAE, young changemakers are stepping into influential roles, shaping environmental policy, contributing to climate diplomacy, and driving action at both national and international levels. This session explores how youth are not just participants but active architects of the sustainability agenda.
Mansoor Al Sayegh, Chairman & President, ADYBC

1:00 – 1:20 pm

Panel: Eco-Entrepreneurs – Youth-Led Startups Powering a Sustainable Future

From purpose-driven ventures to climate-conscious business models, young entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to build sustainably. This session explores how youth are launching impactful startups, navigating the entrepreneurial journey, and unlocking green economic opportunities.
· Saood Alblooshi, Junior Site Engineer, NMDC Group

1:25 – 1:35 pm

Speech by Forbes Middle East

1:40 – 2:30 pm

Networking Lunch

2:35 – 2:55 pm

Panel: NextGen Narratives: Youth Shaping Climate Communication and Media

Young storytellers and digital activists are redefining how climate issues are communicated, using creativity, social media, and grassroots campaigns to engage communities and inspire action. This session explores the power of youth-led climate communication to shape public perception and drive meaningful change.
· Khalid Alhammadi, Junior Project Engineer, NMDC Group· Saood Alblooshi, Junior Site Engineer, NMDC Group

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm

Panel: The Power of Community – Wellbeing, Connection, and Collective Climate Action

Youth-led climate action is not just about policy and innovation, it’s also about people, connection, and care. This session explores how young changemakers are building inclusive communities that prioritize both planetary and personal wellbeing. From grassroots sustainability efforts to mental health advocacy, discover how a culture of support and purpose is fuelli,ng long-term resilience.
· Mohammed Ragheb, Junior Engineer, NMDC Group· Saood Alblooshi, Junior Site Engineer, NMDC Group

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

12:00 – 12:20 pm

Panel: Greentech Rising – Innovations Fueling Climate Solutions

The next generation is engineering solutions for a greener tomorrow, harnessing technology to tackle the world’s toughest climate challenges. This session spotlights youth-led innovations in greentech, from clean energy breakthroughs to digital tools and smart systems driving real-world impact and environmental resilience.
· Robin M, Chairman of Strategic Marketing, ADYBC
· Dr. Peiman Kianmehr, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering

12:25 – 12:45 pm

Panel: From Passion to Profession – Empowering Youth for Green Careers and the Net-Zero Economy

As the world transitions to a greener economy, the demand for climate-conscious talent is rising fast. This session explores how young people are preparing for the jobs of tomorrow, through upskilling, capacity building, and education aligned with sustainability goals. From technical training to entrepreneurial mindsets, discover how youth are unlocking pathways to purpose-driven careers.
· Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, Mechanical Engineer, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure U.A.E
· Eng. Fatima Abdullah, Sustainability Engineer, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure U.A.E
· Ismail Alblooshi, Engineer, NMDC Group

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Networking Lunch

3:05 – 3:25 pm

Panel: Collaborate to Innovate – Youth Bridging Public and Private Sectors for Climate Action

Effective sustainability solutions require collaboration across sectors. This session explores how youth councils and entrepreneurs are facilitating partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate green development and social impact.
· Alyaa Alberiki, Junior Project Engineer, NMDC Group

3:30 pm – 3:50 pm

Panel: Closing the Loop – Youth Driving Circular Economy & Waste Innovation

Young changemakers are transforming how communities reduce, reuse, and recycle, championing circular economy principles to minimize waste and promote sustainable consumption. This session highlights youth-led initiatives innovating solutions for a zero-waste future and reshaping consumer habits.

Workshops Agenda

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

Food Security & Sustainability by Goumbook

A 30-minute session that explores the social, environmental, and economic implications of food waste, while highlighting practical solutions to address it. The discussion unpacks the paradox between food waste and food insecurity, defines food loss and food waste across the value chain, and presents targeted actions to reduce waste at the source. The session aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 12.3, which calls for halving food loss and waste by 2030, and emphasizes the road forward for collective action.
Type: Masterclass Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

1:15 pm – 1:45 pm

Not Just Green by Estadeem

A fast-paced, visual audience challenge where participants make key business choices live. A presentation will display “This or That” business dilemmas on screen & Each attendee will receive two colored cards or paddles (e.g., red for Option A, green for Option As each dilemma appears, participants raise the color matching their choice reacting real-time, giving quick insights on what each choice means for long-term sustainability.
Type: Interactive Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Make Your Own Charm from Sustainable Materials by Veganologie

This is a hands-on activity where participants get to use samples of our sustainable materials to create their own small charm.
Each person would receive pieces of recycled materials (such as apple leather, tea leather, bamboo, etc.) that we cut into simple shapes like a heart. We then show them how to saddle, stitch the pieces together, and fill them with cotton.
We could also bring our embossing machine so they can personalize the charm they make with initials or a symbol.
Type: Hands on Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm

Green Personal Branding: Building Influence that Lasts by Moza Al Zaabi & Musaab Al Tuwajiri

Aligning personal values with digital identity for social impact
Practical steps to build a sustainable personal brand that opens opportunities
Sharing real examples from our journey turning content into long-term influence Type: Masterclass
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Artificial Reef 3D Printing by NMDC

A case study video and display of small physical models illustrating our innovative approach to reef restoration.
Type: Masterclass
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

Sustainability Leaders Summit – Abu Dhabi

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

From Aesthetics to Impact: Future-Ready Living and the Business of Sustainable Wellbeing by GAIA

The session will be a mix of a workshop and a presentation, exploring how plants and flowers go beyond aesthetics to create a meaningful impact in modern living. It will focus on the role of nature in shaping sustainable lifestyles, enhancing wellbeing, and building future-ready communities, while also offering practical insights participants can take back with them.
Type: Masterclass Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM

The Power of Community: Building Sustainable Impact Through Digital Influence by Maryam Al Zaabi & Musab Al Tuwajiry

Type: Interactive Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Eco-Creative Leadership: Fashion & Art for Impact by Holistified

A hands-on micro-design workshop where leaders co-create a sustainability message—e.g., upcycled textile badge or mini-art piece—reflecting their corporate legacy and ESG vision.
Type: Interactive Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

2:15 pm – 2:45 pm

Carbon Emission Calculation Activity by NMDC

An interactive session where visitors can measure their personal carbon footprint.
Type: Masterclass Session
Location: Voices of Tomorrow
Duration: 30 minutes

Delegate Pass

Delegate Pass

EARLY BIRD PRICE

200 $

PASS PRICE: 400 $

Register today as a delegate to seize the opportunity to engage with influential leaders driving the future of sustainability. Build meaningful relationships, exchange forward-thinking ideas, and create powerful partnerships that open the door to unmatched business opportunities and long-term impact. As a delegate, you will enjoy exclusive access to all areas of the summit designed to inspire, connect, and empower sustainability leaders:

Vistors Pass

Vistors Pass

0 $

Free Pass

Register today as a visitor to seize the opportunity to engage with influential leaders driving the future of sustainability. Build meaningful relationships, exchange forward-thinking ideas, and create powerful partnerships that open the door to unmatched business opportunities and long-term impact. The visitor pass is free of charge and will give you access to the following exhibition areas:

Location

Marina Hall 2 , ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

Marina Hall 2 at ADNEC is a modern, versatile waterfront venue ideal for large conferences, exhibitions, and special events. It offers advanced facilities, flexible layouts, and easy access to hotels and amenities, making it a prime choice for international and local gatherings.

Digital Reach

About Forbes Middle East

Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.