Connect2Innovate conference: Talks call for sustainable growth, reduce carbon emission

TDT | Manama                                                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Reported by Julia Cassano

The need to reduce carbon emission, as well as boost clean, green and sustainable growth formed the crux of the discussion that marked the end of the discussion at the final day of the Connect2Innovate conference.

Emphasising the need to achieve a better quality of life without harming the environment, the talks, moderated by Nave Shachar, Head of GCC, Start-up National Central, called for adopting advanced technologies and innovation to create flourishing economies while protecting the environment.

The panellists also highlighted the need to reduce carbon emissions and highlighted the importance of meeting the net-zero goal. Sharing views on how emerging technologies have made many lives’ easier at the session were Nawaf Alkooheji, the CEO of Tenmou, Ofir Gomeh, Managing Partner of Capital Nature, and Dalal Al Qais, the CEO of Bahrain Development Board.

In his opening remarks, Nawaf Alkooheji, the CEO of Tenmou, highlighting the development of cities in the future as critical, said: “The near cities of the future are very dear.” He asked: “What technologies are out there and available to us to help progress near cities further?”

Ofir Gomeh warned that there will be limited possibilities to de-carbonise and de-centralise without the support and assistance of advanced technologies. Collaboration key The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the transition to sustainable business models.

Reminding that the reduction of carbon emissions is central to protecting the environment, he stressed that there is no singular industry in the world that is not affected by the need to shift or transition, and importantly, for greater change, the transition should be done together, not against each other.

The panelists also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the transition to sustainable business models. “When we speak about the future, we must voice the importance of collaboration,” said Nawaf Alkooheji. He added: “We are here to position Bahrain as a competitive country regarding the tech industry, not just regionally but globally.

We must invest in technology that will support us to create a stronger and greater future to set forth an improved quality of life for all, without polluting the world.” Dalal Al Qais, CEO of Bahrain Development Board, said she sees significant opportunities for Bahrain to progress in various sectors, as the Kingdom contains critical infrastructure, tools, and talent to do so.

The opening ceremony on Monday with a recorded speech by Israeli President Isaac Herzog had seen the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote human capital development between Bahrain and Israel.

Start-Up Nation Central signed the MoU with Tamkeen. B2B meetings and discussions focused on the future of banking and financial technology, water security and smart energy, startup ecosystem development, human capital challenges, and the establishment of a sustainable sea-air corridor.