Bahrain’s successful integration of climate action into its overall vision for progress and development was highlighted as a model for other countries to follow, by a top UN official during the fourth edition of the Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME).
UN Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, who delivered the opening keynote of the two-day forum, also noted that regional co-operation is critical against the backdrop of the ‘new world order’.
“Bahrain has managed to integrate sustainability and climate action into its overall development vision, unlike some countries that treat climate as an isolated issue,” Dr Mohieldin told the GDN.
“Decarbonisation and adaptation are integrated with energy and water management policies in Bahrain, making it easier for policymakers to embrace ambitious climate targets.
“Bahrain’s openness and effective regional co- operation, particularly within the GCC, have helped the country achieve tough climate goals compared to others.
“The world order we inherited is ending, as recognised by both political and business leaders.
“The new world order will emerge through regional collaboration, coherent national policies, and community-focused action, not by declaration.
“Bahrain must focus on practical steps – regional co-operation and strong national policies are necessary for survival in the changing global landscape.”
More than 500 senior government and business leaders, alongside sustainability experts from around the region and world, gathered yesterday for the forum which ends today, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
This year’s SFME is being held under the theme ‘Advancing Alignment, Innovation and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation’, and began in the presence of Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina.
The forum began with an address by GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, followed by a welcome address by Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) chief executive Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi and a panel discussion titled ‘National Vision Panel: Sustainability Strategies for Competitiveness and Growth’.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and Bahrain Bourse chief executive officer Shaikh Khalifa bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa participated in the opening panel, which was moderated by Boston Consulting Group managing director and partner Giuseppe Bonaccorsi.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla and Mr Fakhro highlighted the integration of sustainability into the vision for their respective ministries.
“Sustainability is at the heart and core of the National Aviation strategy that we have recently put together, contributed to by all relevant stakeholders from the aviation industry,” Dr Shaikh Abdulla noted.
“We are upgrading the aviation ecosystem by introducing sustainable green infrastructure and focusing on operational efficiency.
“An Airbus A321 will burn 20kg of fuel for every minute that it taxis on the ground, so with almost 60,000 flights at the Bahrain International Airport, that’s more than a million kilogrammes of fuel burned every year, so imagine the ripple effect that could be achieved reducing the taxi time by just a minute.”
The minister noted that the government body was focused on such optimisations to reduce their carbon footprint, and added that the recent establishment of the Gulf Civil Aviation Authority last month, would further enhance flight optimisation, reduce flight times, and provide cost-effective and sustainable options.
Mr Fakhro also highlighted how industries across Bahrain, are automating and digitalising operations, with a focus on sustainability.
“Our national industry strategy is based on unification, digitalisation, automation, and innovation, focusing on sustainability for downstream industries and growth,” he explained.
“Sustainability is ingrained in every pillar of our industrial strategy, aiming to boost GDP, exports, and high-quality jobs for Bahrainis while driving automation.
“Since 2018, ESG and sustainability have been central for Bahrain’s companies, with voluntary guidelines adopted widely.
“Maritime and port operations now prioritise sustainability, with the Khalifa bin Salman Port recognised for its efficiency, helping reduce emissions and support circular economy initiatives like ship recycling.
“Increasing automation in factories elevates productivity while creating more high-skilled jobs and shifting away from low-skilled roles.”
During this year’s forum, SFME also launched its inaugural Sustainability Future Lab, a new initiative designed to deepen SFME’s role in advancing human capital development and strengthening the region’s sustainability ecosystem. Built on engaging young people, the challenge focused on helping Bahrain’s university students to develop innovative solutions inspired by its agenda.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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