Bahrain Bourse recently concluded the highly anticipated Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) Annual Conference – MEIRA 2023, themed “From ESG to Sustainable Capital Markets.” Held in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) on November 13th, the conference provided a platform to delve into critical topics shaping the future of capital markets.
The MEIRA 2023 Annual Conference facilitated discussions on emerging trends and opportunities in GCC Markets, featuring insights on the “Tabadul Hub” initiative by ADX and Bahrain Bourse, as well as perspectives from Investor Relations (IR) practitioners. Emphasizing the significance of embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the region, the event shed light on regulatory frameworks and the role of IR in communicating the ESG narrative.
Boasting a lineup of over 39 speakers, 20 exhibitors, and 400 attendees, the conference served as a convergence point for stakeholders including GCC Exchanges, international corporations, research analysts, and regulatory bodies.
Mrs. Abeer Al Saad, Executive Director of Financial Institutions Supervision at the Central Bank of Bahrain, underscored the rising awareness about ESG issues and the regulatory framework for ESG reporting set to be implemented from the financial year 2024.
Reflecting on the conference, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Bourse, emphasized the pivotal role of capital markets in advancing ESG and implementing best IR practices. He highlighted the collaborative efforts required to foster sustainable markets in the region, thanking participants and the Central Bank of Bahrain for their support.
John Gollifer, General Manager of MEIRA, hailed the conference as a milestone event, underscoring MEIRA’s commitment to promoting IR best practices. The impressive turnout underscored MEIRA’s dedication to cultivating a vibrant community of capital market professionals in the Middle East.
Acknowledging the support of sponsors including Tabadul Hub, Bank ABC, Riyad Bank, and Wamid, the MEIRA Conference organizers expressed gratitude for the collective effort in facilitating meaningful discussions and shaping the future of sustainable capital markets in the region.
