Dubai, UAE, October 14, 2026 – The 14th Global Sustainability & CSR Forum, organised jointly by the Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN) and Dubai World Trade Centre Sustainability Dialogues, concluded on 13 October 2026 after two days of high-level discussions focused on converting sustainability commitments into concrete action and lasting results.
Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Currents of Change: Impact Beyond Promises,” the Forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, sustainability experts, investors, academics, civil society representatives and young changemakers. The event emphasised practical solutions, credible strategies and partnerships capable of delivering measurable environmental, economic and social value.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Mr. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, followed by an opening address by Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Founder and CEO of Arabia CSR Network. Keynote speakers on Day 1 included Mr. Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Ms. Sarah Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of MAJRA – The National CSR Fund; and Mr. Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of Tristar Group.
Day 1 plenary sessions covered Climate Finance 2.0, the Sustainable Mobility Revolution, and the Net Zero Landscape in the region. The day closed with a Best Practices session showcasing real-world examples in energy management, sustainable supply chains, construction waste management and food waste reduction.
Day 2 featured keynotes by Mr. Lorenzo Tacchella of the World Food Programme and Dr. Franklin Carrero-Martinez of the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Plenary discussions focused on greening healthcare, the Blue Economy 2030, and digital transformation for sustainability. A fireside chat with Dr. Agnes Kalibata explored climate resilience, food systems and leadership. The Forum concluded with an undergraduate debate on sustainable packaging between teams from Sohar University (Oman) and Heriot-Watt University Dubai, with Sohar University winning the audience vote.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi said: “The time for sustainability promises to remain promises has passed. Real progress requires turning ambition into decisions, investment into solutions and commitments into measurable impact.”
Ms. Sarah Shaw of MAJRA noted that collaboration across business, government and civil society is essential for creating measurable impact. Eugene Mayne of Tristar Group urged leaders to move beyond compliance and support responsible investment, while Mr. Walid Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE, highlighted the Forum’s role in helping businesses turn shared ambitions into tangible results.
The Forum was supported by Exclusive Partners MAJRA – National CSR Fund and Tristar Group; Strategic Partner McDonald’s UAE; Government Partner RAK Municipality (REEM); Environmental Partner Emirates Environmental Group; and Farnek, which certified the event as carbon-neutral. Additional support came from associates including the Emirates Green Building Council, Swiss Business Council, Clean Energy Business Council and others, with Gulf News as Official Media Partner.
The 14th Global Sustainability & CSR Forum reinforced the message that interconnected challenges demand collective action from governments, businesses, academia, civil society and communities to achieve systemic and lasting change.
