The inaugural CARE MENA Forum, a new regional platform for climate action, renewable energy and sustainability investment, will debut in Dubai on Nov. 26-27, aiming to fast-track green energy innovation and financing across the Middle East and North Africa.
The two-day event, hosted by Trescon, will take place at the Madinat Jumeirah and run alongside the Digitization, AI & Emerging Tech Summit. It will gather senior policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs driving the Gulf’s transition toward a green energy future.
Linking Capital and Climate Ambition
“With the GCC committing billions to renewable infrastructure, CARE MENA offers a unique, action-oriented platform where capital meets climate ambition,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, group CEO of Trescon.
He said the event will highlight investment-ready projects in solar, hydrogen, green energy finance and industrial decarbonization, all central to regional net-zero goals.
Investors and climate leaders have also voiced enthusiasm. Jens Y. Zimmermann, president of Orios Venture Partners, said he looked forward to exploring new trends and opportunities in renewable energy, while Kevin Holliday, CEO of Venturebeam, described the forum as a “launchpad” for climate tech ventures.
Backed by Prominent Regional Investors
CARE MENA has drawn backing from top investors including the Royal Group, Sharjah Investment & Development Authority, also referred to as Shurooq, ARM Holding, Venturesouq, and Plug and Play.
Organizers said the event would connect startups with venture capital firms, institutional investors, family offices and sovereign wealth funds seeking sustainable investment opportunities.
Ahmed Refaie, CEO and global CIO of G.P.I. Global Partners Investments, said CARE enables climate finance professionals to “deploy capital in an environmentally impactful and responsible way.”
Platforms for Innovation and Collaboration
The forum will feature several flagship initiatives designed to promote sustainable innovation. The ClimateTech World Cup will spotlight breakthrough sustainability solutions and connect founders with investors, corporates and media.
CARE Launchpad will showcase disruptive research, applications and whitepapers that can attract funding and foster partnerships, while the CARE Innovation Program will spotlight student-led projects tackling real-world climate challenges.
Additionally, the CARE ESG Awards, hosted by Trescon and supported by ESG MENA, will recognize the “Responsible Investor of the Year” and the “Young Sustainability Pioneer of the Year.”
Turning Dialogue Into Investment
With support from sponsors such as Emtribe, Cero Hero, Enjazponic and S&P Global, the summit will include investor roundtables, partnership forums and pitch sessions. These sessions will focus on ensuring that discussions lead to measurable investment commitments.
“For the VC community, CARE is an excellent platform to identify breakthrough opportunities in renewable energy and climate tech,” said Sofia Kostiunina, managing director of 100VP, also referred to as 100 Venture Partners, a global capital network focused on helping startups and entrepreneurs in the Middle East, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Trescon said the forum aims to produce tangible outcomes by aligning government priorities with private-sector capital and innovation to accelerate the green energy ecosystem across the region.
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CARE ESG Awards 2025 to Honor MENA’s Climate Leaders and Innovators
