HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, chairman of Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy & Sustainable Development, and former deputy prime minister, will share his insights on the multiple benefits of sustainable energy development at the Second Regional Forum of the Pearl Initiative and the United Nations Global Compact in Dubai on October 27.

Al-Attiyah said, “At a time when the region is focused on diversifying its energy mix, we must understand the role of our existing energy companies in advancing the global sustainability effort. Once we identify the region’s current approach and discuss international best practices, we will be well-placed to adapt new and progressive strategies in line with evolving technology, innovation and ideas. I look forward to discussing this critical issue in-depth at the upcoming regional forum.”
Titled ‘Sustainability in Action: Business and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, the forum will welcome more than 700 private and public sector representatives from across the GCC region and beyond, to discuss how the region can foster healthy economic growth and job creation for the benefit of succeeding generations.
Al-Attiyah’s insights will be shared as part of an executive dialogue session on ‘Sustainable Energy Development in the Region’ moderated by Hamid Jafar, chairman, Crescent Group of Companies and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Pearl Initiative. It is set to take place following the opening Prosperity session, which is one of five overarching forum themes – the others being Peace, Planet, Partnerships and People.
The forum will take place at a time when global experts are examining the impact of sustainable energy development on holistic, long-term social and economic growth. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) titled ‘Renewable energy benefits: measuring the economics’ highlights that doubling the share of renewables by 2030 can enhance the global gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 1.1%, improve global welfare by 3.7% and create opportunities for around 24mn people working in the renewable energy space.

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