BrazilBain & Company engaged in WEF's special meeting in Riyadh
Held at the start of this week in Saudi Arabia, the World Economic Forum (WEF) special meeting saw more than 1,000 leaders from around the world convene in Riyadh to discuss some of the most pressing economic, societal and environmental challenges.
Bain & Company, a global strategy consulting firm, was a knowledge partner of the event and helped shape the agenda around business and ESG topics.
In the session titled ‘Climate-Resilient Growth in MENA’, Bain & Company partner Akram Alami emphasized the importance of advancing the region’s sustainability agenda post-COP28. “There is a critical need for a comprehensive approach to climate action, where technology and innovative financing play key roles in transitioning to a decarbonized economy.” he argued.
From its offices in Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, Bain & Company is playing a frontrunning role in helping governments and businesses accelerate their sustainability roadmaps. A 2023 report from the firm released in conjunction with the World Economic Forum highlighted the potential but also urgency of making progress. That progress however often slows at the operational level.
Anne-Laure Malauzat, partner at the consulting firm, participated in a panel on ‘Fast-tracking Progress to Economic Gender Parity’. She highlighted the fragmented progress in gender parity and discussed actionable strategies that can accelerate inclusive economic growth.
She stated that the pursuit of economic gender parity “isn’t just a moral imperative, but rather a strategic one, essential for unlocking profound economy-wide benefits.”
Her comments come on the back of a Bain & Company report finding that gender diversity is improving in the region, with women increasingly integrated into the workforce in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The higher female labour market participation is driving economics benefits.
Held under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the event was attended by heads of state and governments, ministers, CEOs, senior executives, academics, and other top-level decision-makers.
Bain & Company is a global partner of the World Economic Forum and one of the key contributors to its annual flagship event in Davos.
