SCHEDULE
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MAY 17, 2023 - ARMANI HOTEL, DUBAI
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