About the Forum
Background
Following the success of the inaugural forum in 2024, the 2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum will serve as the flagship event of Abu Dhabi Finance Week’s Sustainability Day, bringing together senior policymakers, financiers, and investors from the EU, GCC, and MENA to advance sustainable finance and investment cooperation for clean energy projects.
Why is this critical now?
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USD 4.5 trillion annually is needed in renewable energy and infrastructure investments by 2030 to meet global net-zero targets (IRENA, 2024).
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In 2023 alone, USD 570 billion was invested globally in renewables, but this needs to quadruple to stay on track for climate goals.
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The Gulf region has already committed over USD 90 billion to clean energy projects, including major hydrogen, solar, and wind developments.
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The EU is the largest global provider of public climate finance, contributing EUR 28.6 billion in 2023 to support developing countries in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change, while mobilising an additional EUR 7.2 billion in private finance.
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The EU Emissions Trading System has generated over EUR 210 billion since 2013, providing valuable lessons for carbon pricing mechanisms that can guide GCC frameworks.
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With 16.2% of GCC imports coming from the EU, the EU remains a key economic collaborator and investor for the region’s green transition.
The forum will spotlight scaling renewable energy, hydrogen, and energy efficiency investments while advancing discussions on carbon markets and innovative financial instruments, such as green bonds and sustainability-linked finance. It aligns with Team Europe’s integrated approach and the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, linking it with GCC climate and energy transition strategies to mobilise capital and unlock new project pipelines across the region.
By addressing these priorities, the forum aims to position the EU-GCC-MENA nexus as a leader in sustainable finance, fostering long-term economic cooperation and accelerating the region’s path toward a clean, resilient, and prosperous future.
Who Should Attend
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Senior government representatives from the EU, GCC, and MENA
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Public and private financial institutions and investors
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European and GCC development banks and sovereign wealth funds
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Clean energy and green tech project developers
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Industry leaders in renewables, hydrogen, and energy efficiency
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Think tanks, research centres, and sustainability consultants
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International organisations, embassies, and regulators
Why You Should Attend
- Network with high-level decision-makers and investors shaping clean energy finance in the region.
- Identify project opportunities and investment pipelines in renewables, hydrogen, and energy efficiency
- Understand how carbon markets and green bonds are reshaping investment frameworks.
- Learn from EU and GCC leaders on policy alignment, risk de-risking, and innovative finance models.
- Align your organisation with Team Europe and GCC climate priorities, enhancing visibility and partnership potential.
- Be part of shaping the region’s clean energy future through practical dialogue and actionable insights.
Main Topics Covered
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Catalysing Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, and Energy Efficiency Investments
Exploring large-scale project opportunities across MENA, leveraging EU-GCC partnerships. -
Scaling Green Finance: Public-Private Models for a Sustainable Future
Mobilising capital through innovative financing models, blended finance, and de-risking mechanisms. -
Carbon Markets and Green Bonds in Climate Action
Advancing discussions on carbon pricing and leveraging green financial instruments. -
Policy Alignment and Regulatory Frameworks
Bridging EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, CBAM, and GCC climate policies to attract investment.
Expected Outcomes
By participating, you will contribute to:
✅ Strengthening EU-GCC cooperation in green finance and investment.
✅ Unlocking new investment opportunities in clean energy and green tech.
✅ Advancing the development of carbon markets and sustainable finance instruments.
✅ Driving public-private collaboration for large-scale renewable and hydrogen projects.
✅ Enhancing regional policy alignment and climate action frameworks.
Join Us
Join us in Abu Dhabi to connect with leaders shaping the future of clean energy investment in the EU-GCC-MENA region. Together, let’s unlock opportunities and drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.
Program
Opening Remarks by HE Lucie Berger, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to the UAE
Keynote Speech by Ms Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, European Commission
This opening high-level panel will explore how the EU, GCC, and MENA regions can collaborate to accelerate the green transition through clean energy investments. Learn how public-private partnerships, innovative finance models, and regional cooperation are unlocking opportunities in renewables, hydrogen, and energy efficiency, setting the tone for a day of actionable discussions.
Speakers:
- HE Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, MOFA
- Mr. Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President, European Investment Bank (EIB)
- HE Majid Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra
Moderator: Ms Georgia Tolley, Presenter, Journalist, Emcee
This high-level session will examine investment and financing opportunities in water security, green energy, and smart infrastructure across the EU–GCC region. It will highlight how sustainable finance instruments and EU–GCC partnerships can accelerate projects that enhance resilience, resource efficiency, and climate-aligned economic growth.
Speakers:
- Felicity Spors, Director for Sustainable Business and Infrastructure, EBRD
- Daniel Calderon, CEO & Co-Founder, Alcazar Energy
- Mazin Khan, Chief Finance Officer, Masdar
Moderator: Mr Spyros Kouvelis, Team Leader, EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project
This session will explore how private investors, corporates, and financial institutions can drive the green transition in the EU-GCC-MENA region. Focusing on blended finance, green bonds, and innovative investment models, it will highlight practical ways to channel private capital into renewable energy, hydrogen, and climate-resilient projects, showcasing successful EU–GCC partnerships.
Speakers:
- Mr. Omar Saif, Climate Investment Platforms & De-Risking, Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC)
- Mr. Sebastien Fleury, Regional Director Middle East, Proparco
- Ms Buket Guner, Head of Project and Structured Finance Middle East, EDF
- Ms Jennifer Park, Partner, Alterra
- Mr. Jens Ohnemus, Chairman, FarmCompany A/S
- Mr. Mohammad Junaid, Head of Corporate Governance, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Moderator: Ms Roisin White Barret, Managing Director, Clean Energy Business Council
This session will examine the investment opportunities in renewable fuels including green hydrogen, e-fuels, and RFNBOs. Discussions will focus on their role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, and heavy industry, alongside the regulatory frameworks, certification, and financing models needed to scale. With the EU advancing ambitious targets and the GCC investing in large-scale projects, the session will highlight pathways for EU-GCC cooperation to mobilise capital and accelerate market development.
- Mr. Atanu Das, Executive Vice President, Head of Project Finance, ACWA Power
- Mr. Cihan Yilmaz, Director ( Energy & Water), KfW IPEX-Bank
- Dr. Dimitrios Dimitriou, VP ESG & Sustainability, EMSTEEL
- Mr. Andreas Brandt, Partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
- Mr. Fabian Cazares, Chief Financial Officer, Infinity Power
- Ms Ruhiye Keskin, Head of Energy Transition and Decarbonisation, Strategic BDM, Group Strategy and Growth, AD Ports Group
Modertor: Mr. Frank Wouters, Chairman, MENA Hydrogen Alliance
