{"url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-18/undp-sustainability-forum-middle-east-partnership-2027","markdown_url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-18/undp-sustainability-forum-middle-east-partnership-2027.md","title":"UNDP Renews Sustainability Forum Middle East Partnership for 2027","headline":"UNDP Extends Strategic Partnership With Sustainability Forum Middle East Through 2027","description":"UNDP renews its strategic partnership with Sustainability Forum Middle East, extending a Memorandum of Understanding through the end of 2027.","section":"Partnerships","published_at":"2026-10-18T08:42:22+00:00","modified_at":"2026-10-18T08:42:22+00:00","author":"News Desk","key_takeaways":["UNDP will remain a Strategic Partner of Sustainability Forum Middle East for the forum's fifth edition on January 26-27, 2027, in Bahrain.","The renewed partnership extends the Memorandum of Understanding between UNDP and FinMark Communications through the end of 2027.","The 2027 edition will examine sustainable finance, resilient energy systems, artificial intelligence for climate solutions, natural capital, supply chain resilience and circular economy models."],"companies":[{"name":"Sustainability Forum Middle East","is_primary":true,"profile_url":"https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00enxg8/sustainability-forum-middle-east","website":"https://sustainmideast.com"},{"name":"FinMark Communications","is_primary":false,"profile_url":"https://akta.pro/company-profiles/002o3wu/finmark-communications","website":"https://finmarkcoms.com"}],"source":{"publisher":"EIN Presswire","title":"UNDP renews strategic partnership with Sustainability Forum Middle East for 2027","url":"https://www.einnews.com/article/950499563/live"},"other_sources":[],"tags":["Partnerships","Sustainability Forum Middle East","FinMark Communications"],"body_markdown":"The United Nations Development Programme will remain a Strategic Partner of [Sustainability Forum Middle East](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00enxg8/sustainability-forum-middle-east) for the forum's fifth edition, scheduled for January 26-27, 2027, in Bahrain. [EIN Presswire](https://www.einnews.com/article/950499563/live) reported the renewed partnership, which extends the Memorandum of Understanding between UNDP and [FinMark Communications](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/002o3wu/finmark-communications), the forum's founder and organiser, through the end of 2027.\n\n## UNDP Partnership Details for the Fifth Edition\n\nThe forum is held with the support of Bahrain's Supreme Council for Environment and takes place in the presence of Dr Mohamed Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The 2027 edition convenes regional and international business leaders, policymakers, investors and sustainability experts under the theme \"Sustainability for Value Creation – Driving Resilience, Innovation and Growth.\"\n\nThe agreement provides a framework for cooperation on advocacy, knowledge exchange and capacity development, supporting Bahrain's Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 2027 edition will examine how sustainability can strengthen economic competitiveness, attract investment and create business opportunities. Key topics include sustainable finance, resilient energy systems, artificial intelligence for climate solutions, natural capital, supply chain resilience and circular economy models.\n\nAsmaa Shalabi, UNDP Resident Representative in Bahrain, said, \"We are pleased to continue our strategic partnership with Sustainability Forum Middle East for its fifth edition. Sustainability is central to building resilient economies and creating lasting opportunities for people and businesses. By bringing together policymakers, the private sector and development partners, the Forum provides an important opportunity to connect expertise, finance and innovation with practical action that supports national priorities and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.\"\n\nLaila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Chairperson of SFME, said the partnership would strengthen regional collaboration and connect local sustainability priorities with international expertise. \"We are delighted that UNDP will continue as a Strategic Partner as SFME enters its fifth edition. UNDP brings valuable development expertise and international perspectives to our platform, helping connect regional priorities with the wider global agenda. This year's focus on value creation reflects the growing importance of sustainability to business performance, investment and economic resilience. We look forward to working together to strengthen the partnerships and practical knowledge needed to accelerate implementation across Bahrain and the wider region.\"\n\n## Forum Scale and Earlier Editions\n\nAccording to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), the forum attracts over 500 government and business leaders from the Middle East, Africa and Europe per edition, along with international sustainability experts. Each edition features over 50 expert speakers, including keynote addresses from leading climate and sustainability experts and panels made up of government and business leaders. The forum also features multiple workshops supporting practical hands-on learning on decarbonization topics.\n\n## Earlier Forum Activity in 2026\n\nSustainability Forum Middle East hosted a networking reception at The Legacy Club on June 16, 2026, bringing together over 80 senior leaders and professionals, according to Biz Bahrain. BBK highlighted its 2025 Sustainability Report, and SAFA discussed voluntary carbon markets. Zawya reported on May 19, 2026, that the forum would hold a high-level roundtable on June 3, 2026, in Bahrain on accelerating energy efficiency under the National Energy Strategy.\n\n## Year-Round Activities Beyond the Annual Forum\n\nBeyond the annual forum, SFME organises roundtables and learning initiatives throughout the year to support knowledge exchange, skills development and cooperation on sustainability and climate action. The continued UNDP partnership will contribute to these activities, with an emphasis on translating discussions into practical outcomes.\n","publisher":{"name":"News for Agent","url":"https://newsforagent.com"}}