Ideas that move the region forward.

Sustainability Leaders Summit – 3rd Edition, 14-15 October 2025

Sustainability Leaders’ Summit – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Date
14-15 October 2025
Venue
Marina Hall 2, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
Format
In person event
Doors
Registration and networking from 10:00

Overview

Overview

Date
14-15 October 2025
Venue
Marina Hall 2, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
Format
In person event
Doors
Registration and networking from 10:00

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.

On stage

Speakers

Youth Hub

Youth Hub

Art For Change

Art For Change

Social Impact Guests

Social Impact Guests

Workshops

Workshops

Entertainment

Entertainment

Agenda · 14-15 October 2025

Sustainability Leaders’ Summit – Abu Dhabi

Registration and Networking

Break

National Anthem

Ceremony

Voices of the Earth

Welcome Address by Khuloud Al Omian, CEO & Editor - in - Chief, Forbes Middle East & Opening Video

Address

Opening Address by Eng. Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO, NMDC Group

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.

  • H.E Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al DahakUAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Keynote

A Drop of Awareness... The Gateway to Abundance Begins with an Idea (Arabic)

  • H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma Mohammed Khalid Al NahyanChairperson of the Board, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions
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.

  • H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al DhaheriSecretary General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
Address

Interactive Q&A with H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE 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.

Aligning Ambitions - Powering Scalable Sustainability through Public-Private Synergy (Arabic)

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

  • H.E. Eng. Alya Abdelrahim AlharmoodiAssistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Budour MousaModeratorPresenter, Forbes Middle East
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.

Moderator: Sally Mousa, Senior Presenter Forbes Middle East

  • Eng. Yasser ZaghloulGroup CEO, NMDC Group (UAE)
Fireside chat

White Hydrogen - Nature’s Hidden Fuel for a Sustainable Future

Explore the promise of naturally occurring white hydrogen as a scalable, low-cost, zero-carbon energy source, and how it could accelerate the global shift to a sustainable future.

  • Benjamin MeeExecutive Director, HyTerra Ltd
Address

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.

Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO, NMDC Energy

  • Mohamed Juma Ahmed Al Bawardi AlFalasiCEO, EMDAD LLC
  • Hugo LosadaCEO, Emirates Cement, part of EMSTEEL Group (UAE)
  • Maya HojeijModeratorSenior Business Anchor, Asharq News with Bloomberg (UAE)
Panel

Networking Lunch

Break

Catalysing Change – ESG, Community, and Lasting Impact (Arabic)

Explore how purpose-led strategies can strengthen resilience, advance sustainability, and drive meaningful benefits for communities and businesses alike.

  • Hanaa HelmyGroup Chief Corporate Sustainability and Impact Officer of EFG Holding and CEO of the EFG Foundation
  • Dr. Abubaker Musa EltomModeratorScholar in Sustainability & Social Responsibility, Mostadam Project Management Services
Fireside chat

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.

  • Captain Saif Al MheiriCEO - Abu Dhabi Maritime & Chief Sustainability Officer, AD Ports Group (UAE)
  • Peter MarvinChief Technical & Resource Pool Officer, NMDC LTS (UAE)
  • Frank ClaryVP, Sustainability, Agility Global
  • Lenah HassaballahModeratorEditor – CNN Business Arabic, CNN Business Arabic
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.

  • Khalid Bin HadiManaging Director Subregion UAE, Siemens Energy
  • Ibrahim Al Zu’biGroup Chief Sustainability & ESG Officer, ADNOC Group (UAE)
  • Najeeba Hassan Al JabriChief ESG & Sustainability Officer, Emirates Global Aluminium
  • Dr. Yousif Al HammadiChief Asset Management Officer, Tabreed
  • Razan SalmanModeratorSenior Economy & Government Reporter, CNN Business Arabia
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.

  • H.E. Dr. Alanoud Abdulla Alhaj Al AliActing Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Matthias BüchlerChief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
  • Zohaib Ali ZahidHead of Enterprise Project Management Office & ESG, Ajman Bank
  • Mohammad AlarbeedExecutive Manager Governance and Sustainability, Kuwait Finance House (KFH)
  • Nouf Al KatheeriModeratorJournalist & Presenter
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.

  • Eng Aisha Mohamed Al AbdooliDirector of Green Development & Environment Affairs Department, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Dr. Ibraheem AlmansouriDirector, Engineering, Masdar
  • Derar Al ManaseerExecutive Director - Group Strategy & Sustainability ADNEC Group (UAE)
  • Layan Abo ShkierModeratorEditor & Researcher, Forbes Middle East
Panel

Agenda · 14-15 October 2025

Youth Hub Agenda

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.

  • Mansour Al SayeghChairman, Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC)
  • Engy MohebModeratorContent Producer, Forbes Middle East
Fireside chat

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.

Suood Khaled Ali, Junior Project Engineer, (NMDC Group)

Dr. Marwa Abdallah Shalwani, Co-Founder, Climatify

  • Mai MoawadCo-founder and CEO, Climatify
  • Layan Abo ShkierModeratorEditor & Researcher, Forbes Middle East
Panel

Speech by Forbes Middle East

Networking Lunch

Break

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, Mechanical Engineer, (NMDC Group)

  • Nouf Al QadiEnvironment Scientist and Community Educator, Ithra by nouf
  • Aisha Al ZarooniESG Communities Lead - Environment, Emirates NBD Group
  • Marwa KhalilModeratorStudent, Fatima University for Health Care
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 fuelling long-term resilience.

  • Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al GhardaqaPresident, Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC)
  • Mohammed Ragheb AwadhProject Engineer, NMDC Group
  • Najat IbrahimProduct Manager - Corporate and Institutional Banking, Emirates NBD Group
  • Engy MohebModeratorContent Producer, Forbes Middle East
Panel

Agenda · 14-15 October 2025

Workshops Agenda

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

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

Create Your Own Organic Perfume at Home by Dr Safa Alnaqbi

This workshop empowers youth to explore the art of making their own personal fragrance using natural and organic ingredients available at home, with simple tools that can be easily ordered online. Type: Hands On Session Location: Voices of Tomorrow Duration: 30 minutes

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

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

Moderators

Moderators

Getting there

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.

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Marina Hall 2 , ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi