The 13th session of the Global Forum on Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, organized by the Arab Network for Corporate Social Responsibility under the theme “Sustainable Growth: Leading Global Change,” concluded under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The event was attended by Sheikh Eng. Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, along with ministers, UN officials, business leaders, academics, and youth from various countries around the world.

The forum, held over two days on October 8-9, 2025, witnessed a transformation from an Arab forum into a true global platform reflecting the need for cross-border collective action. It set a new standard in driving sustainable growth and called for enhanced international cooperation in water, green finance, sustainable urban growth, and youth empowerment.

The second day began with keynote speeches by Maha Al Gergawi, Vice President of Business Community Support Sector at Dubai Chambers, and Dr. Youssef Al Assaf, President of Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of activating institutions’ roles in transitioning towards a more sustainable economy.

The first session on the second day, titled “From Resource Ownership to Energy Production,” reviewed the UAE’s experience in clean energy, sustainable building design, and innovative carbon capture technologies, affirming that integrated technologies, policies, and partnerships are pillars to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The second session, “Financing the Transition Phase: Unleashing Green Investments,” focused on the role of green finance and sustainable capital in accelerating development. The third session, “Starting from Zero: Restructuring Growth,” discussed the role of governments and companies in reimagining development models to meet the requirements of urban sustainability, culture, and youth empowerment.

The closing day featured an inspiring conversation with Eugene Maine, founder and CEO of Tristar Group, addressing sustainable leadership and creating long-term value, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating the concept of time in sustainable development and adopting a long-term vision that allows resource renewal and enhances opportunities for future generations.

At the forum’s conclusion, Habiba Al Marashi, founder and CEO of the Arab Network for Corporate Social Responsibility, affirmed that this session marked a qualitative turning point, bringing together governments, companies, and civil society in constructive dialogue on sustainable growth.

She stated: “What the forum produced is not just ideas but roadmaps for the future, and calls for effective action to build a legacy of resilience and prosperity for coming generations.”

Maha Al Gergawi said the forum served as a vital platform to discuss key sustainability issues, confirming Dubai Chambers’ commitment to supporting companies in adopting responsible practices that contribute to building a more competitive and sustainable economy.

(WAM)