Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) has introduced the Sustainability Futures Lab, a new initiative aimed at expanding the Forum’s role in developing human capital and reinforcing the regional sustainability ecosystem. Guided by the principle that education, skills-building and youth participation are central to long-term climate ambition, the Challenge encourages university students in Bahrain to create actionable, innovative solutions inspired by the themes of the Forum’s 4th edition. Supported by KPMG in Bahrain, and backed by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and the Higher Education Council (HEC), the programme builds strong links between academic talent and real-world sustainability priorities.
Taking place on 27–28 January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, the Forum will be held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, with support from the SCE. The upcoming edition is expected to gather more than 400 international and regional decision-makers to examine the theme: Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy & Climate Transformation.
The Challenge invites university teams from across Bahrain to join a multi-stage programme that includes a pre-forum orientation, direct participation in Forum sessions and speaker engagements, a week-long innovation sprint after the Forum, and a final presentation to a judging panel featuring sustainability practitioners, government representatives and academic experts. The competition will focus on four scenario-based tracks tied directly to the Forum’s 2026 themes: Climate Finance and Just Transition, Tech for Net Zero, Nature and Carbon Markets, and Capacity for Delivery.
Jamal Fakhro, Managing Partner at KPMG Bahrain, commented, “Developing the next generation of sustainability leaders is essential to accelerating and sustaining national and regional climate goals. As always, we are delighted to partner with the Sustainability Forum Middle East to launch the Sustainability Futures Lab for the next generation of business leaders with the tools, mentorship, and practical exposure needed to create solutions that are implementable, scalable, and aligned with Bahrain’s long-term vision. Empowering and developing the future generation is at the heart of our values, and look forward to supporting the University students through effective engagement.”
Speaking on the launch, Ms. Zahraa Taher, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Founder and Organiser of the Forum, added, “Sustainability Futures Lab represents an important expansion of SFME’s mission to build a resilient, knowledge-driven sustainability ecosystem. By bringing students into the centre of the Forum’s dialogue, we aim to bridge education and real-world climate action while contributing to the Kingdom’s human capital development agenda.”
The Challenge will culminate with an Awards Ceremony and Awareness Workshop to highlight standout student teams and strengthen their understanding of Bahrain’s sustainability strategy, ESG prospects and opportunities for continued involvement.
The 2026 Forum programme is designed to further support education and capability-building. Day one will feature keynote speeches, fireside interviews and interactive panels, while day two will offer a complete schedule of workshops led by sector experts. Confirmed so far are Future-Proofing Business by KPMG, Navigating Carbon Markets in the Arab States by UNDP, and Sustainability, Reputation & Growth by the Anthesis Group, providing attendees with practical, skills-based learning anchored in real climate challenges.
The Forum’s 2026 edition is backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Strategic Partner, alongside Forum Partners including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company (BASREC), and the American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain), with more partners to follow.
For enquiries or partnership opportunities, visit sustainmideast.com or contact info@sustainmideast.com / +973 17 749759.
