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10/28/24, 4:57 PM Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders Summit Lays The Groundwork For A Greener Future
The first day was attended by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Ahmed Al Nahyan, Founder of the Sustainable
Future Initiative (SFI). Other notable attendees include H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri,

Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi; Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Abdulla Abdulalee Abdulla Al Humaidan,
Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination; and Eng. Yasser

Zaghloul, Group CEO of the NMDC Group. Before the discussions on the most pressing

sustainability topics facing the world, proceedings began with a touch of creativity as artist Hind
Khlaifat created a canvas artwork.

The event was opened by His Excellency Dr Thani, whose keynote speech highlighted how the

country’s role as a global trade hub is enabling it to impact the sustainability of supply chains, which
are key drivers of growth across the world. “The UAE has long recognized that sustainability is

deeply connected to our economic diversification ambitions, which seek to develop new industries,
new capabilities, and new means of value creation. Sustainability is, therefore, a challenge we

should embrace as a driver of innovation. As a supply chain hub, we know that trade has a vital role

in delivering on our sustainability commitments, and we are using our platform and our authority to
outline a new future for the global trading system, one that is smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive.

By embracing innovation, forging strategic partnerships, and creating new global frameworks, we

use sustainability as a catalyst to a better, more prosperous future.”

“We all have a responsibility to create opportunities for progress in the global and regional

sustainability agenda. This annual summit brings together some of the most important and impactful
voices from across the ecosystem to share their insights, learn from each other, and inspire the

world,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. “We are so proud

to provide this vital platform and I look forward to seeing the measurable positive impact that it will
have for us all.”

Eng. Yasser Zaghloul Group CEO of NMDC Group, echoed her sentiments. “We are the generation
that has witnessed climate change, and we must be the ones to reverse it. Our legacy must be one of

restoration, not destruction. These global challenges demand local solutions,” he emphasized.

“Sustainability is not a destination—it’s a journey. Every step we take, whether through restoring
coastlines, building resilient infrastructure, or rethinking how we manage water and resources,

brings us closer to a better tomorrow.”

The summit aims to empower global leaders, industry professionals, and stakeholders to tackle
urgent environmental challenges. The agenda features a variety of panel discussions, interviews, and

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