Registration

Time

09:00 - 10:00

Welcome Address by Fast Company Middle East

Time

10:00 - 10:05

PANEL DISCUSSION: Road to Net Zero

The transition to a net zero carbon future requires significant investments in new technologies, infrastructure, and practices, and financing these investments is a critical challenge. This panel will explore the key challenges of transitioning to a net zero carbon future. And how companies, governments, and investors can build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy.

Speakers:

Shargiil Bashir, EVP & Chief Sustainability Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank

Eva Ramos Perez-Torreblanca, Director Environmental Policy Analysis & Economics, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi

Salwa Al Maflahi, Group Director of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Aldar Properties

Andrea Di Gregorio, Executive Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables (Reem) Office, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality

Moderator: Rachel Dawson, Senior Correspondent, Fast Company Middle East

Time

10:05 - 10:35

Nurturing Natural Capital

Environmental and nature degradation have severe consequences, as over half of the world's economic output, valued at around US$44 trillion, relies on the environment. Extreme biodiversity loss, pollution, and overconsumption of natural resources are already affecting societal health, supply chain, and food security. Therefore, action and transparency regarding nature impact are essential. The presentation will cover the Middle East region's unique challenges and opportunities in environmental capital, the benefits of nature-related disclosures, and ways for Middle East countries to protect their environmental capital while enabling private sector support for government policies.

Speaker:

Johnny Ayoub, Partner and Head of Climate & Sustainability for India, the Middle East and Africa, Oliver Wyman

Time

10:35 - 10:45

Beyond Words: How COP28 Can Translate Climate Action into Tangible Results

With the UAE hosting COP 28, it presents a unique opportunity for the region to showcase its leadership and commitment toward a sustainable energy and climate future. This session will explore potential challenges and opportunities associated with driving the transition to a sustainable energy system and the role of government and businesses in creating lasting change.

Speakers:

Wael Ismail, Vice President, Corporate Affairs MENA and South Asia, PepsiCo

Dr. Prashanth Marpu, VP of R&D, Bayanat

Christina Struller, Vice President of Corporate Affairs - ISMEA, UPS

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, BEEAH

Moderator: Karrishma Modhy, Managing Editor, Fast Company Middle East

Time

10:45 - 11:20

Closing the Loop: How the Circular Economy Can Help Businesses Achieve Sustainability

The circular economy is a promising solution for urgent climate change challenges as businesses seek ways to reduce their environmental impact and achieve operational sustainability. The Panelists will discuss how circular economy principles can be integrated into broader sustainability initiatives and the role of government policies and regulations in promoting circular practices.

Speakers:

Priya Sarma Mathur, Senior Sustainability Head at Unilever, Chair of the Circular Packaging Association

Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Head of the Smart and Sustainable Cities Research Cluster and Associate Professor, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group

Vikram Krishna, Co-Founder, Sacred Groves

Moderator: Karrishma Modhy, Managing Editor, Fast Company Middle East

Time

11:20 - 11:50

From Ambition to Action: The Role of Leadership in climate action

As the world seeks sustainable and equitable growth, leaders are expected to take bold action to achieve this. This panel will highlight best practices and success stories of sustainability and explore leadership’s critical role in turning their companies’ goals into tangible actions.

Speakers:

Adel Alfalasi, Partner and Head of UAE Market, Oliver Wyman

Ayman Ismail, Vice President of Government Affairs, Strategy & Sustainability, Schneider Electric

Hanan Al Yafei,Executive Director, Responsible Investing Unit, Mubadala

Fazil Abdul Rahiman, Group VP for Sustainability and Climate Change, TAQA

Moderator: Rosanna Lockwood, International News Anchor

Time

11:50 - 12:25

Closing Remarks

Time

12:25 - 12:30

End of Summit

Time

12:30