Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Taking place over two days starting Nov. 28 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, the conference will serve as a prominent platform for governance leaders, experts, and industry luminaries to engage in a profound dialogue on the dynamic relationship between financial ecosystems, corporate stewardship, and the transformative COP28 climate agenda.

Dr Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Sheikh, Chairman of Hawkamah, emphasised the institute’s dedication to driving impactful conversations that will shape the future of corporate governance. He expressed, “We are proud to unveil an exceptional lineup of expert speakers and thought-provoking panel themes. In the midst of COP28 and climate change commanding our attention, these voices and ideas play a crucial role in charting the way forward.”

The conference agenda includes plenary panel discussions and a keynote address, all carefully curated to provide rich insights into pressing topics. Attendees can anticipate discussions on national visions towards sustainable economies in the MENA region, the role of corporate boards in the governance of sustainability, leveraging intangible assets, harmonising corporate sustainability standards, and financial accounting and assurance for sustainability reporting.

With COP28 at the forefront, the conference seeks to explore how corporations can align their strategies with climate goals while fulfilling their corporate governance responsibilities. The event offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in insightful dialogues, share expertise, and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable business practices.

The ICGN-Hawkamah Dubai Conference not only underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for discussions transcending geographical boundaries but also solidifies Hawkamah’s position as a global governance standard setter. The institute continues to lead in advancing corporate governance practices and facilitating dialogues that leave a lasting impact on the business landscape.

Hawkamah is a world-class corporate governance institute working to improve corporate governance practices of governments and companies across the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Founded in 2006 by OECD, the IFC, the World Bank, Union of Arab Banks and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority, Hawkamah is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote corporate governance best practices, transparency, and accountability in the region.  Hawkamah provides advocacy, training, research, and consulting services to companies, governments, and institutions across the MENA region. 

Led by investors responsible for assets under management of around $77 trillion, and bringing together companies and stakeholders, ICGN advances the highest standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship worldwide in pursuit of long-term value creation, contributing to healthy and sustainable economies, societies, and environment.

ICGN’s comprehensive international work programme is based around three core objectives as follows:

Influence: public policy and professional practice with global standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship.

Convene: impactful global events to share knowledge, build networks and collaborate across capital markets.

Inspire: governance and stewardship professionals with guidance and education for in-house policies, activities, strategies, and reporting.

Meanwhile, International aviation leaders have emphasised the urgent need to address climate change challenges, highlighting the sector’s concerted efforts towards sustainable solutions.

During the ICAO’s Third Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) held in Dubai from November 20th to 24th, aviation officials underlined the critical importance of aligning with global developments, particularly those related to climate change. They underscored that the civil aviation sector is actively pursuing sustainable solutions, with a strong focus on transitioning to alternative aviation fuels. Recognising their environmental responsibility, they pledged to collaborate closely with various environmental organisations to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Fred Bamwesigye, Director-General of the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority, reaffirmed the authority’s unwavering commitment to supporting global climate change mitigation efforts, aligning with national plans to strengthen the sector’s sustainability initiatives.