Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a leading regional platform championing net-zero and nature-positive action, will join forces with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to host the latest session in its 2025 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series on 7 October 2025 in Manama. The roundtable, titled ‘The Future of Energy: Scaling Green Energy & Funding Mechanisms’, will spotlight strategies for expanding renewable energy and innovative financing frameworks to drive the region’s energy transition.
This high-level meeting will bring together senior figures from the energy and business sectors, alongside government representatives, policymakers, and sustainable finance leaders. Discussions will address Bahrain’s and the wider region’s evolving energy landscape, exploring how to scale renewable and emerging energy technologies while identifying the capital-intensive funding structures needed to achieve a diversified, resilient energy future.
An expert panel will examine opportunities and challenges across green energy, renewables, nuclear energy, and new energy technologies. The panel will highlight the importance of public readiness, regulatory frameworks, and investment models that can underpin long-term decarbonisation efforts.
Panel speakers include Shaima AlJanahi, Director of Radiation Protection at the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE); Amin Sultan, Chief Power Officer at Aluminium Bahrain (Alba); Chirag Shah, Executive Director of Sustainable Finance, AME at Standard Chartered Bank; Dr Hiba Harara, Vice President of Electricity and Water Procurement at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA); and Dr Abdulaziz Almathami, nuclear energy researcher.
Commenting on the event, Giuseppe Bonaccorsi, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, said, “As the region moves toward a more diversified and resilient energy future, it is critical that innovation and financing work in tandem. At BCG, we are committed to supporting public and private sector stakeholders across the region in developing integrated energy strategies that align with national net-zero targets and global climate commitments.”
Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founders and organisers of SFME, added, “Through our Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, we aim to spark critical dialogue on the technologies and financing mechanisms that can power the region’s net-zero journey. Held in partnership with BCG, this roundtable will provide insights into how key stakeholders are navigating the energy transition, and how new funding models can work hand-in-hand to support national and regional climate ambitions.”
SFME’s mission is to encourage open dialogue and collaboration on decarbonisation initiatives across the Middle East. The roundtables act as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, identify opportunities, and work collectively towards meaningful climate action.
Supporting SFME’s 2025 calendar of events are the Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain; Strategic Partners: National Bank of Bahrain and Standard Chartered Bank; Forum Partners: Bapco Energies, Aluminium Bahrain, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Al Areen Holding, Benefit, Boston Consulting Group, Environment Arabia, First Motors, Foulath Holding, Gulf Air, Gulf International Bank B.S.C, talabat; Forum Supporters: APM Terminals Bahrain and Sinnad; Learning Partner: Impact Learning and Development; and Media Partners: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, BFT Media, OGN, and Sustainable Finance Daily.
