The ‘ESG buzz’ in recent times reflects the rise of the global warming climate crises and disparities that international and regional commitments have tried to address – notably the Paris Agreement on Climate Action and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

ESG developments in the MENA area have kept pace with global developments and trends. Commitments from authorities and the business sector are growing in order to fulfill the SDGs' 2030 deadline and alleviate the effects of climate change.

Several governments in the MENA/GCC region have announced net zero carbon emissions targets, implemented personal data and privacy laws, and regulators have released guidance on sustainable finance, ethical use of enabling technology and outsourcing, required ESG reporting, and female board representation for listed companies in the last year.

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stand out, with Egypt, Bahrain, and Omani authorities all implementing ESG policies.

Given that the region will host the upcoming UN Climate Summits (COP 27 and 28), ESG principles are anticipated to gain significance in line with international trends and pressures. This could highlight localized solutions to the dilemma of environmental protection while also satisfying economic growth objectives.

This event will discuss a variety of topics, with an emphasis on what measures have been implemented in the energy sector to reduce carbon footprint, what corporate strategy approach is required to achieve these goals, and how diversity and inclusion play a key part in ESG.