United Nations Development Programme will continue as a Strategic Partner of the fifth Sustainability Forum Middle East, scheduled for 26 and 27 January 2027 in Bahrain. The forum will bring together business leaders, policymakers, investors and sustainability specialists under the theme “Sustainability for Value Creation, Driving Resilience, Innovation and Growth.” Held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, it has support from Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment. The renewed partnership places sustainable finance, resilient energy systems, artificial intelligence and circular economy models at the centre of the forum’s agenda.
Partnership Extended Through 2027
The partnership is based on a memorandum of understanding between UNDP and FinMark Communications, founder and organiser of Sustainability Forum Middle East. The agreement, which will be extended until the end of 2027, provides a framework for advocacy, knowledge exchange and capacity development.
Its work is intended to support sustainable development and the green transition in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The arrangement connects the forum’s regional programme with UNDP’s development expertise and international perspective.
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.”
Value Creation On The Agenda
The fifth edition will examine the relationship between sustainability, economic competitiveness and business performance. Its programme will consider how companies and investors can use sustainability activity to attract investment and create opportunities for growth across Bahrain and the wider region.
Discussion topics include mobilising sustainable finance, building resilient energy systems and using artificial intelligence for climate solutions. Delegates will also consider the role of natural capital in business decisions, alongside supply chain resilience and circular economy models.
These subjects position the forum as a meeting point for organisations seeking practical routes to climate action while maintaining a clear focus on economic resilience. Leading voices from UNDP will take part in the discussions.
Regional Priorities And Global Perspective
FinMark Communications will organise the forum’s fifth edition as its partnership with UNDP continues. The collaboration is intended to link regional priorities with a wider global agenda, while bringing businesses, policymakers and development partners into the same programme.
The forum’s theme places value creation alongside resilience, innovation and growth. That framing reflects the programme’s focus on business performance, investment and the practical knowledge needed to support implementation.
Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Chairperson of Sustainability Forum Middle East, added:
“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.”
Year Round Sustainability Programme
Beyond its annual event, Sustainability Forum Middle East runs roundtables and learning initiatives throughout the year. These activities give stakeholders opportunities to exchange experience, develop capabilities and work together on sustainability and climate action.
The continued UNDP partnership will support this wider programme, with an emphasis on translating dialogue into practical outcomes. It also extends the forum’s role beyond its January gathering, creating a structured setting for ongoing collaboration across the region.
The forum’s current fourth edition is supported by lead partners SAFA and BBK. Its strategic partners include UNDP, Bank ABC, Standard Chartered Bank and Gulf International Bank, while its forum partners include Aluminium Bahrain, National Bank of Bahrain, Boston Consulting Group, ASRY, BASREC, GARMCO, AmCham Bahrain and Gulf Air.
A Platform For Practical Action
The January 2027 forum will bring its partner network together around priorities that span finance, energy, technology, natural capital and supply chains. By combining an annual gathering with year-round learning and roundtables, Sustainability Forum Middle East is building a platform for organisations working to connect sustainability commitments with economic activity.
UNDP’s continued involvement through 2027 gives that programme a further basis for knowledge exchange and capacity development. The forthcoming fifth edition will test how those conversations can support resilience, investment and inclusive economic growth across the region.
