The BEBA/EBCC November Business Forum consisted of a two- day conference alongside the COP27 in the Green Zone.

Day 1:

Opening Session:

The Business Forum included a keynote speech from H.E. Dr. Hala El Said Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development who stated the government’s commitment to green projects, gave an overview of the government’s key polices to help support the business community in its transition.

Along with the minister, special guest speaker H.E. Gareth Bayley Ambassador to the UK in Egypt who emphasised on the importance on investing on green projects sooner rather than later. Ben Wreschner Economist and Public Affairs Officer for Vodafone, highlighted that higher returns could be achieved by companies who invest in green projects. Finally, Sarah Howard MBE, BCC Chair, discussed the challenges facing SME’s in the current global economic situation

Plenary Session I:

This was followed by ‘Transition between Trade and investment to Circular economy and sustainable projects and procedures. The speakers for this session were, H.E Waleid Gamal MSc,Suez Canal Economic Zone,Basel El Hini ,Chairman,Misr Insurance Holding Group,Shevaun Haviland,Director General,BCC Bobbie Mellor,Global Head of ESG at Vodafone Group and moderated by Caroline Ray, Regional Director East Africa, Arup Group.

This session discussed the challenges facing SME’s in their transition to Green economy and how partnerships between public and private sectors could help support the green projects

Plenary Session II:
Plenary Session II ‘Green Finance / Enabling conditions including Behavioural Changes to achieve Climate targets’ The speakers for this session were Vikas Aggarwal – Regional Head of Public Affairs – Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East and the Americas – ACCA Global, Faisal Eissa-General Manager-Lekela Egypt, Boutrous Klink-CEO Middle East and Bahrain – Standard Chartered Bank and Dr Sofia G. Vaz – Programme Director, Environmental Engineering, NOVA Cairo Branch- The Knowledge Hub. This session was moderated by Magued Ezzel Din- Country Senior Partner and Deals Leader – PWC

The Green finance session discussed the immense budgets needed for green transition and the financial burdens faced by SME’s to help them reach green targets especially in emerging markets. This transition to green finance will require many entities to collaborate in order to achieve the essential targets

A networking lunch was next on the agenda where all delegates, speakers and attendees got to exchange ideas, delegates were then free to explore the Green Zone before meeting again at the dinner reception held at the Park Regency Hotel sponsored by Vodafone Egypt.

Day 2:

Opening Session:

The Second day the keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation on engaging international partners to support development of NWFE initiative.

Plenary Session 1:

The first plenary session of the second day ‘Future Business Goals & Smart Cities- How can businesses deliver and benefit from their climate target – infrastructure, construction, Communications and Sustainable Education’ where the speakers discussed the necessary elements in building smart cities including sustainable materials, using technology and AI in designing new cities as well as detecting water leakages to save current resources. The speakers for this session were: Hazem Galal – Cities & Local Government Global Leader – PWC , Victoria Edwards – CEO- Fido Technologies Ltd, Dr Mohamed Mokbel – Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, Coventry University Branch- The Knowledge Hub and Mohamed Saad – Country Head Egypt – UK Export Finance and was moderated by Mohamed Raslan- Senior Partner – Levari Law

Plenary Session II:

The plenary session II titled ‘Decarbonisation Process & Highlighting sectorial benefits in moving towards a circular economy.’ discussed the short- and long-term plans companies have for decarbonisation as well as the challenges to the application of these plans within the current global economic conditions and the practical strategies for implementation. The speakers for this session were: Dr Valentina Kretzschmar – Energy Transition Director – Capricorn Egypt, John Pearson – COO, New Energy Services – Petrofac and Hazem Gohar – Director & General Manager – Dar Al Handasah Consultants. This session was moderated by Hesham El Shamy – GM Egypt – Aggreko

The Closing remarks for the conference were given by Ian Gray,OBE, EBCC Chairman and Alastair Long – HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa

Following this session, a networking lunch was held at the Egyptian Pavilion and in the evening, a networking dinner reception at the Savoy Hotel sponsored by Standard Chartered