20/10/2026 03:37 AST
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) and Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) will host a high-level Sustainable Finance Roundtable on November 3, 2026, at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, bringing together stakeholders from the financial sector, government and industry to explore how sustainable finance can support Bahrain's economic development and green transition.
The event, themed "Mobilizing Sustainable Finance: Delivering Resilient Growth and Bahrain's Green Transition," will examine opportunities to direct capital towards sustainable investments, strengthen business resilience and advance the Kingdom's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
The roundtable comes amid growing regional interest in sustainable finance, as financial institutions, policymakers and businesses seek practical ways to support economic competitiveness, transition-related investments and long-term growth.
BBK said the initiative builds on its ongoing efforts to integrate environmental and social considerations into its financial services through its Sustainable Finance Framework and expanding portfolio of sustainable finance solutions. The bank aims to strengthen collaboration across sectors, encourage financial innovation and help clients identify opportunities linked to sustainability.
Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive Officer of BBK, said: "As Bahrain advances toward a more sustainable and diversified economy, sustainable finance will be instrumental in bridging ambition with action and directing capital toward opportunities that deliver both economic and environmental value. At BBK, we are committed to supporting our clients and stakeholders as they navigate this transition and position themselves for long-term success. This roundtable is an opportunity to engage directly with market leaders, listen to evolving needs, and strengthen the ecosystem required to scale sustainable finance across sectors. Our ambition is to work collaboratively to deliver long-term value and impact for our clients and for the Kingdom of Bahrain at this transformative time."
The programme will begin with welcome remarks from Alsharifi, followed by a fireside chat with Mohamed Alaali, Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of BBK, titled "From Ambition to Action: The Role of Finance in Advancing Bahrain's Net-Zero Commitment".
Two panel discussions will address the practical challenges and opportunities associated with expanding sustainable finance.
The first, "From Frameworks to Action - Strategies for Achieving Scale and Impact", will bring together regional and international financial industry representatives, government organisations involved in Bahrain's green transition, and clients from key economic sectors. Discussions will focus on practical examples, sector-specific approaches and strategies to increase the scale and impact of sustainable finance initiatives.
The second panel, "Financing SMEs for Sustainable Growth and National Development," will examine how financial institutions can improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Representatives from BBK, SMEs, policymakers and ecosystem partners will discuss tailored financing solutions, advisory services and capacity-building support. The session will also explore ways to incorporate SME requirements into financial products and credit frameworks, recognising the sector's role in economic diversification, private-sector development and sustainability.
Alaali said: "We look forward to hosting this important discussion on the growing demand for sustainable finance and its critical role in supporting Bahrain's green transition. As the market continues to evolve, sustainable finance is becoming an increasingly important driver of competitiveness, innovation, and long-term value creation. At BBK, we are focused on building the capabilities, partnerships, and product innovation required to help mobilize capital where it is needed most. By bringing together stakeholders from across the financial sector, government, and industry, this roundtable aims to encourage practical dialogue, highlight emerging opportunities, and help advance the sustainable finance agenda in Bahrain."
Laila Danesh, Chairperson of Sustainability Forum Middle East, highlighted the importance of collaboration between financial institutions, policymakers and businesses in translating climate commitments into measurable economic progress.
She said: "Mobilizing sustainable finance is fundamental to translating Bahrain's climate and sustainability ambitions into tangible progress across the economy. This requires not only capital, but also closer dialogue and collaboration between financial institutions, policymakers and the businesses and industries undertaking the transition. Through this roundtable, Sustainability Forum Middle East is pleased to partner with BBK to bring these stakeholders together, encourage practical discussion around the financing needs and opportunities that exist across different sectors, and help advance solutions that can support resilient, sustainable growth in Bahrain."
The roundtable aims to encourage practical dialogue, strengthen partnerships and identify financing solutions that support Bahrain's sustainability priorities while reinforcing long-term economic resilience.
Trade Arabia
Please wait...