Manama, 29 December 2025 – National Bank of Bahrain has been announced as a Forum Partner for the fourth edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East. The event will be held on 27–28 January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs.
The Forum will take place under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation”. Proceedings will begin with a Special Address by H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. More than 400 participants from government, business, finance, and sustainability are expected to attend from across the GCC, the wider MENA region, and international markets.
As Bahrain’s national bank, NBB continues to support the development of the country’s financial sector while embedding sustainability into its operations. The Bank follows an ESG framework aligned with national priorities and promotes sustainable behaviour across its client base. Its Sustainable Finance Framework, launched earlier this year, provides a structured approach for financing green and social projects, including renewable energy, clean transport, green buildings, and initiatives that support employment and community outcomes.
NBB will also contribute to the Forum programme through the participation of Zaina Alzayani, Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, in the panel “Unlocking Climate Finance: Innovative Pathways for Transition and Resilience”. The discussion will focus on the evolution of climate finance, including blended capital models, sustainability-linked lending, green bonds, and transition finance. The panel will also address how financial institutions can support investable project pipelines and mobilise capital to meet net-zero and development goals.
Zaina Alzayani commented, “The conversation around climate finance is increasingly centred on implementation. For banks, this means focusing on structures and instruments that can translate sustainability objectives into measurable outcomes, while managing risk and supporting economic growth. We are proud to partner with platforms such as SFME, which play a valuable role in aligning regional perspectives with global financial frameworks and practical market needs.”
Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communication and Founder and Organiser of SFME, said, “We are delighted to welcome National Bank of Bahrain back again as a Forum Partner for our 2026 edition and thank them for their continued partnership and support. NBB has been at the forefront of integrating ESG into its business model and advancing sustainable finance in alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and net-zero commitments. Their renewed partnership underscores the essential role financial institutions play in financing transition, scaling climate solutions, and embedding sustainability into everyday business and investment decisions.”
The 2026 programme will include ministerial discussions, policy-focused sessions, and expert panels covering energy transition, climate-aligned growth, industrial decarbonisation, emerging technologies, carbon and biodiversity markets, and skills development. NBB’s involvement reflects its role in supporting Bahrain’s long-term sustainability agenda and regional cooperation on climate finance.
The Forum will again host hands-on workshops led by organisations such as KPMG, the United Nations Development Programme, and Anthesis Group. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools for organisations working on climate strategy, disclosure, operations, and finance.
SFME 2026 is supported by Lead Partners SAFA and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait; Strategic Partner UNDP; Forum Partners including Aluminium Bahrain, ASRY, BASREC, GARMCO, and AmCham Bahrain; Learning Partner Impact for Learning & Development; Media Partners Arab News and Al Ayam; and Marketing Partner The Butterfly Effect.
More information is available at sustainmideast.com or by contacting info@sustainmideast.com.
