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10/28/24, 4:58 PM Forbes Summit lays the groundwork for a greener future
Forbes Summit lays the groundwork for
a greener future

ABU DHABI, 11 days ago
UAE’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, said Dr
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for
Foreign Trade for the UAE.

“The UAE has long recognised 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 Al Zeyoudi in a fireside chat
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,” he said opening the Forbes Middle East
Sustainability Leaders Summit 2024.

Under the theme ‘Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow’, the event brings together influential leaders, innovators, and
experts from various industries and 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.

Touch of creativity
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.

“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 emphasised. “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.”

Empowering global leaders
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.

In addition to Al Zeyoudi, speakers at the event include Saeed Alghafri, CEO of Emirates Steel, part of the EMSTEEL
Group; Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding; Othman A. Ibrahim, Executive Vice Chairman, Group
President, and CEO of Rawabi Holding; Said Zater, Group CEO of Contact Financial Holding; Saeed Al Shamsi,
Group Chief Human Capital Officer at the ADNEC Group; Maged Marie, CEO of the Magnom Group; Mohamed
Amer, CEO of El Gouna; and Ghaya Alahbabi, UNICEF Youth Advocate for COP28, Youngest Sustainability
Ambassador for Y4S.
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