Anthesis at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026
11–15 January 2026
Insights
Advancing credible climate action and practical pathways to net zero
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is one of the world’s largest global sustainability gatherings, hosted by Masdar and designed to accelerate sustainable development across energy, climate finance, smart cities, mobility, food, water, and emerging technologies. Established in 2008, ADSW convenes leaders from governments, business, and civil society to drive bold climate action and shape a more resilient future.
At the heart of ADSW is the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) — a global think tank and exhibition that brings together 50,000+ attendees, 450+ exhibitors, and 300+ speakers to showcase cutting‑edge solutions across clean energy, water, circular economy, smart cities, e‑mobility, AI, and pathways to 1.5°C. WFES serves as a platform for industry influencers, policymakers, and innovators to co‑create the blueprints for a sustainable future.
Running from 11–15 January 2026, ADSW sets the tone for global ambition and collaboration, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a bridge between nations and a catalyst for climate innovation.
Anthesis is proud to contribute to this year’s agenda with two expert-led sessions focused on accelerating credible climate action and enabling low‑carbon, resilient cities:
Fireside talk: Exploring SBTi pathways for low‑carbon cities
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has become a cornerstone for organisations and cities striving to align with net‑zero ambitions. Yet translating these pathways into the realities of urban design and mobility systems remains a challenge.
This fireside talk will explore how SBTi’s sector‑specific emissions guidance can be applied to the unique context of cities, where infrastructure, transport, and community needs intersect.
This session offers practical insights for policymakers, planners, and sustainability leaders on integrating SBTi guidance into city‑level strategies.
- From ambition to action: Moving from aspirational targets to measurable outcomes.
- Urban design implications: Embedding decarbonisation into planning, zoning, and infrastructure investment.
- E‑mobility as a catalyst: How electrification accelerates progress toward net zero.
- Operational realities: Financing, governance, and technology barriers — and how SBTi guidance can help.
- Cross‑sector collaboration: Aligning governments, businesses, and civil society around science‑based pathways.
The Sustainable Cities & eMobility Conference is a forward‑looking platform dedicated to reshaping how people, goods, and services move through urban environments. As cities worldwide face the dual pressures of rapid urbanisation and urgent decarbonisation, the conference explores how clean mobility and smart city design can co‑evolve to create inclusive, efficient, and future‑ready urban systems.
It convenes government leaders, transport authorities, planners, technology developers, investors, and sustainability advocates to address a central question: How do we design cities and mobility systems that are sustainable, resilient, and equitable by design?
- Maliha Ghouri, Senior Consultant – Climate Change & Carbon Advisory, WSP Middle East
- Dinah Gengmei, Senior Climate Change & Sustainability Advisor, Sustainable Square
- Ramesh Ramaswamy, Principal Systems Assurance Consultant, TUV Rheinland Middle East
Event details
Date: Tuesday, 13 January
Time: 15:25 – 15:45
Location: Sustainable Cities & eMobility Conference, Middle East. Part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the World Future Energy Summit
Speaker
Panel: The growth of corporate green hushing
As organisations face increasing scrutiny over sustainability claims, many are becoming more cautious about publicly communicating their climate initiatives. This emerging trend — known as green hushing — sees companies quietly pursuing sustainability progress while avoiding terms such as “sustainable” or “net zero.”
Damian Regan joins fellow experts to unpack the implications of this trend and discuss how businesses can maintain integrity, transparency, and impact in their climate journeys.
- Why companies are shifting away from public sustainability language
- Whether green hushing is prudent risk management or a barrier to transparency
- How organisations can advance credible climate action while navigating reputational risk
- Strategies to ensure meaningful progress is recognised and shared responsibly
Event details
Date: Tuesday, 13 January
Time: 15:50 – 16:30
Location: World Future Energy Summit – Conference Programme
