Abu Dhabi:Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated the fourth edition of the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event, held under the theme 'Resilience for a Sustainable Future,' is organized with the patronage of the Ministry and gathers over 3,000 participants from various sectors worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day summit is dedicated to exploring challenges and opportunities related to building economic and institutional resilience, energy security, and sustainable investment. It also emphasizes the importance of innovation and future leadership in developing adaptive economies and societies.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak, in her opening remarks, highlighted the critical role of policy design, infrastructure building, and partnerships in ensuring adaptable food, water, and energy systems. She noted that the UAE's commitment to these values is influenced by the legacy of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Minister underscored the intertwining of economic diversification and emissions reduction as fundamental to achieving long-term prosperity.
The summit also featured a leadership conversation with UAE students, focusing on climate change, technological transformation, and the responsibilities of leadership. This dialogue aimed to engage youth in sustainable future development and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, emphasized that resilience is essential for sustainable growth amid global transformations. The summit serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among leaders from government, business, and academia to develop solutions that enhance future readiness and create sustainable value.
The first day of the summit addressed vital sector challenges, including energy security, investment, and infrastructure development. It focused on strategies to enhance institutional and economic adaptability and expand public-private collaborations. Additionally, executives recognized in the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders 2026 list were honored for their contributions to sustainability practices.
The summit, which continues with discussions on sustainable investment and renewable energy, is organized by Forbes Middle East with several partners, including ADNEC Group and Khalifa University, aiming to foster collaboration and practical initiatives for a sustainable future.