ABU DHABI – GPF Global celebrated its Middle East debut on 5 November 2025 with more than 600 participants gathered at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, marking a major milestone in the platform’s international expansion.
Founded in Vienna in 2022 by Aleksandar and Daniel Gros, and co-founded for the Abu Dhabi edition by Mohammed Sulaiman Alfahim (UAE), Jakob Zenz, and Paul Nimmerfall (Austria), the inaugural event in Abu Dhabi underscored the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and future-oriented leadership.
Mohammed Sulaiman Alfahim, Co-Founder and Member of the Council of GPF Abu Dhabi, said the UAE’s leadership had set a clear direction toward a greener future. “Here in the Emirates — and here in Abu Dhabi — is where real change happens, and it happens fast,” he said, highlighting President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and reduce carbon output by 40% by 2030.
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Elisabeth Köstinger, President of the GPF Global Council Europe, described Abu Dhabi as “the ideal gateway” to connect with the Middle East and Africa, emphasizing that sustainability challenges require global solutions.
Strong partnerships driving global impact
The Abu Dhabi edition was supported by an extensive network of international partners, including DEWA, Magirus, Zhifu Technology, UAE Biotech Research Center, GTC Group, LGP Lawyers, Hengl, Econetix, Agro Innovation Lab, TRENDS Research & Advisory, Austrian Embassy Abu Dhabi, TOJOY, Mohammed Alfahim Holding, and Forbes.
These collaborations symbolized a powerful alliance between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — united by a shared commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and economic transformation.
Global dialogue on innovation and sustainability
The event brought together government leaders, CEOs, and sustainability experts from Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. Key speakers included Austria’s Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism Dr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer; EU Special Envoy Johannes Hahn; Ugandan State Minister for Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar; TOJOY Chairman Ge Jun; former Costa Rican President José María Figueres; former Formula 1 legend Franz Tost; former Croatian Deputy PM Domagoj Ivan Milošević; and Elisabeth Köstinger.
Together, participants reaffirmed their collective mission to advance innovation, environmental responsibility, and global collaboration for a sustainable future.
