Two Back-to-Back Events for Sustainability Champions

Greetings LinkedIn Community,

As always, I’m here to keep you updated on the latest in sustainability across our region, and what an exciting time it is! The event season kicks off and my calendar is quickly filling up with opportunities to engage, learn and connect with like-minded individuals. It’s always exciting to break away from the daily routine, share ideas and experience the collective energy of people united.?

For the second year in a row, I’m thrilled to attend the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2024. This summit is a key moment to step back, reflect and dive into the innovative solutions shaping our global transition to a truly green and sustainable future.?

If you haven’t heard of WGES yet, let me introduce you to one of the most influential summits driving the green economy.

WGES – The World Green Economy Summit

Hosted by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority - DEWA and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), the summit will take place on:

?? October 2-3, 2024

?? Dubai World Trade Centre

This summit is designed for global leaders, innovators and change-makers to come together and discuss forward-looking solutions to drive the global green economy.

In line with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and the country's leadership in renewable energy and sustainability, WGES will address crucial themes like decarbonisation, climate finance, the circular economy and youth participation in shaping a sustainable future.?

Agenda?

This year’s agenda is packed with incredible sessions that align perfectly with our mission to drive sustainability in the MENA region. These are some of the sessions I am planning to attend this year.

1. Empowering Small Businesses for a Sustainable Future: A Regional Perspective on Collaboration, Innovation and Progress

• Date & Time: October 2, 10:30 - 10:40AM

• Speakers: HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan , President and CEO, UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators
• Why It Matters: SMEs make up more than 90% of businesses worldwide and must be integral to the green transition. As the founder of MENA Impact, I know firsthand how crucial small businesses are to the sustainability conversation. I am excited to attend this insightful keynote from a leading sustainability figure in the UAE and beyond.

2. 4Ps: Adding Another ‘P’ to PPP (Public-Private Partnerships + Philanthropists)

• Date & Time: October 2, 12:50 - 1:30PM

• Speakers: Shargiil Bashir, Chief Sustainability Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) - Lina Osman , Regional Head, Sustainable Finance – West, 渣打银行 - Luay Ahmadi, Chief Investment Officer, Lamar Holdings

• Why It Matters: Expanding the traditional public-private model to include philanthropists opens up exciting opportunities for greater impact. This session is essential for understanding how we can mobilise even more resources to drive sustainability projects in the MENA region.

3. How Can We Use AI to Help Create a Sustainable Future?

• Date & Time: October 2, 2:15 - 3PM
• Speakers: Dr Saeeda Jaffar , Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager – GCC, Visa and Sam Daws, Senior Adviser to the Oxford University AI Governance Initiative and Director of Multilateral AI, and Dr Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Executive President, Moroccan International Center for Artificial Intelligence

• Why It Matters: Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a top priority, transforming industries – and sustainability is no exception. We must explore its implications to drive sustainable development and harness its potential for the benefit of people and the planet.

4. The Critical Role of Youth in Shaping a Sustainable Future

• Date & Time: October 3, 12:35 - 1:20PM
• Speakers: Majd Fayyad, DSM Strategy & Policy Lead, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Lydia Sanz Lozano, Co-Vice Chair of Programming, Student Energy Summit 2023 and Shaikha Mohammad Sharif, Negotiations – Just Transition, COP28, BESS & Thermal Solutions Engineer, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)

• Why It Matters: Empowering youths through employment is one of MENA Impact’s core commitments. Young leaders are the driving force behind many sustainability innovations and their role is crucial for shaping a greener future. This session will dive into how we can continue to support, inspire and amplify the voices of youth, not only in the MENA region but globally.

5. Consumer Spending and the Importance of Behaviour as a Pillar of the Circular Economy

• Date & Time: October 3, 3:10 - 3:50PM
• Speakers: Youssef Chehade, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Ecyclex International Recycling LLC, Florence Bulté , Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group and Maryam Al Mansoori, Founder and General Manager, Rebound Plastics.
• Why It Matters: We know that sustainable practices aren’t just about policies or big initiatives; they’re about everyday choices. This session will explore how shifting consumption habits can create meaningful change, a topic that resonates deeply with our mission to promote sustainability awareness and create a more informed community.

I highly encourage you to be part of this transformative summit. Register to join the conversation and explore how we can drive meaningful, collective change together.

?? [ https://wges.evsreg.com/ ]

A Bonus Event You Don’t Want to Miss: WETEX

Right before WGES kicks off, we have WETEX – the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition – from? 1 to 3 October 2024, at the same venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre.?

Organised by DEWA, WETEX is the region’s largest sustainability and clean energy technology exhibition. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the latest innovation in sustainability and connect with leading companies and experts from around the world.

With WGES and WETEX happening back to back, you have the perfect opportunity to attend both events and maximise your time and impact!?

Register for WETEX → https://www.wetex.ae/en/visitor-registration ?

I’m beyond excited about what’s to come! If you’re as passionate about sustainability as I am, then these events are the perfect opportunity for you! So, don’t miss out! Make sure you’re part of these transformative events. Save the dates, sign up and let’s connect in person!?

Can’t wait to see you there.

Nadine?

Nadine Zidani is a sustainability expert, impact entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of MENA Impact . She lives in the UAE and is dedicated to supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and driving systemic change in the MENA region through her work and public speaking