Key Sustainability Trends Shaping the Middle East

COP28 has been a defining moment for the Middle East and the region's sustainability vision. We are clearly seeing a before and after, as demonstrated by the 2024 survey conducted by PwC Middle East, which interviewed sustainability leaders from organizations headquartered in the GCC. I want to share with you some key highlights that I believe will shape the sustainability trends in our region.

Sustainability is Entering the Strategic Agenda

Four in five executives in the survey indicate that their companies now have a formal sustainability strategy in place, and more than half say this strategy is fully embedded across their organization.

Nationwide visions have been set in the region, and it's time for action with clear targets to reach net zero. A positive move, considering that back in 2020, no company in the region was officially setting science-based targets with SBTi. Now, only in the UAE, we have 26 companies registered on the SBTi website. Another positive sign on the SME side is the increasing number of B Corp certified companies, which in the UAE have grown from 1 to 10 in the past few years.

The Rise of Chief Sustainability Officers

Another interesting finding is the growing trend of companies creating top-level positions, such as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) or sustainability director roles just below the C-suite. Almost half of respondents say their companies either have a CSO or plan to appoint one in the next 12 months.

Furthermore, for 90% of the survey respondents, these new leadership roles involve both setting sustainability strategy and policy, and overseeing monitoring and reporting.

If you’re curious, just a search on LinkedIn for CSO, CSR/ESG Manager, or Climate Advisor will show the increasing demand in the region. Sustainability skills are not only valuable for full-time sustainability experts but also add great value to any job you apply for nowadays.

Challenges to Upskill the Workforce

The region is facing a skills challenge and needs to bridge the talent gap across all aspects of sustainability. When asked to identify the core competencies critical for further progress, nearly 80% of survey respondents pointed to knowledge of sustainability reporting, regulatory requirements, and frameworks.

The next two critical skills identified by respondents were: Understanding emerging sustainability trends and practice, and tackling the impact of climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

A 2023 LinkedIn survey also highlighted a rapid growth in ‘green’ job postings, outstripping the availability of qualified candidates. This trend underscores a critical gap in the workforce—a gap you could fill. Having green skills isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s becoming a necessity. Those equipped with such expertise are 29% more likely to land a job. And we’re not just talking about technical know-how; the scope of green skills spans managing sustainable practices, carbon accounting, and beyond.

Join Our Upcoming Webinar!

This month, we're focusing on the critical role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and what it takes for leaders in sustainability to succeed. As CSO and CSR Manager roles gain prominence in the Middle East, I am excited to host Arnaud Herrmann , Co-Founder and President of EcoLearn , and former CSO of Accor Group, as our guest speaker.

Join us for our upcoming webinar, Success Strategies for a Chief Sustainability Officer, where we will cover:

?? The CSR Evolution and Current Challenges

?? The Evolving Role of the CSO

?? Skills Required for the CSO

?? Practical Advice for CSO Success

Don't miss this valuable conversation:

?? Date: Tuesday, 9th July

? Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM, UAE Time (GMT+4)

?? Link to Register

Explore Our Course Managing Corporate Sustainability

We are launching a new cohort for our course, Managing Corporate Sustainability, from July 22nd to December 9th. From stakeholder engagement and performing materiality assessments to ESG reporting, this course covers the full spectrum of sustainability with practical skills and knowledge to lead the charge.

It's online, self-paced, and includes multiple case studies, live sessions with expert instructors, and coaching to propel you toward impact. This is a unique opportunity if you're based in the region and interested in sustainability!

Check the course page link, and book a call using this link to check if the course is a good fit for you.

Looking forward to your participation!

#CSO #Sustainability #SustainabilityMENA #CSR #ESG #NadineZidani #LinkedInTopVoices