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10/28/24, 4:57 PM Forbes sustainability summit lays groundwork for a greener future - GulfToday

The Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit 2024, chaired by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed
Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has begun in Abu Dhabi under the
theme ‘Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow.’ This highly anticipated event, which brings together
influential leaders, innovators, and experts from various industries, is playing a crucial role in
the global push for sustainable and equitable development, with trade one of the central
pillars of this year’s gathering.

The first day was attended by Sheikh Zayed Bin Ahmed Al Nahyan, Founder of the
Sustainable Future Initiative (SFI). Other notable attendees include 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; Abdulla Abdulalee Abdulla Al
Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organisation 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 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 presentations on topics such as public policy for green goals, economic
growth and community well-being, climate action through sustainable finance, and protecting
essential resources.
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