Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Sameer Nass, confirmed that the forum will feature high-level participation from several distinguished international figures, including Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, H.E Dr. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa; Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), H.E Jasem AlBudaiwi; Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo. The forum will also include a special address by renowned economist and former Greek Finance Minister Mr. Yanis Varoufakis, titled “Economic Sustainability and Employment Amid Global Challenges.”
The opening session, “Navigating Economic Transformation: The Impact of Shifting Global Blocs on Stability and Growth” will explore the future of multilateral agreements, the balance between regional stability and global growth, and how emerging economies, digital innovation, and green technologies are shaping global supply chains and economic resilience.
The second session, “The Essential Function of the Private Sector and its NGOs in Economic Growth Relative to the Government's Position as Regulator and Service Provider” will focus on the interaction between private initiatives and government policies, the impact of civil society on development, and examples of successful public-private partnerships. It will also address inclusive policy-making in response to global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. This session will feature prominent speakers, including Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro; Chairman of the Federation of GCC Chambers and Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, H.E Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas; President of the Union of Arab Chambers and President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, H.E Samir Majoul; President of the International Organization of Employers, H.E Jacqueline Mugo; President of the U.S. Council for International Business, H.E Whitney Baird; and Head of Trade at the International Chamber of Commerce H.E Valérie Picard.
The Bab Al Bahrain Forum 2025 takes place as the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to solidify its position as a leading regional hub for trade and investment. This event reflects the Kingdom’s deep commitment to advancing international collaboration and fostering dialogue between advanced and emerging economies. Through the exchange of expertise and innovative solutions to global economic challenges, the forum aims to reinforce the foundations for inclusive and sustainable growth for generations to come.