Our world is facing an existential crisis due to decades of human exploitation using unsustainable methods. This has led to unimaginable levels of carbon being released into the atmosphere, global warming, deforestation, the unavailability of clean water, food waste, a rise in unemployment, and much more, with some nations suffering earlier than others. In recent years, we have started to recognize our wrongs, and there has been a global call for sustainable practices to save our planet before it is too late.

Many countries with knowledge-based economies have been quick to adapt, rebound, and secure a more resilient and sustainable future for their citizens. There has been a very high focus on recognizing, supporting, and enabling sustainable solutions and practices brought forth by young advocates and entrepreneurs working tirelessly to tackle these issues. However, the Middle East and Africa have seemed to lag behind in such initiatives due to the absence of strong ecosystems nurturing sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.

In 2020, the total inflow to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Funds reached a record high of $1Tr AUM in July. In comparison, one out of every three dollars in the United States was invested under one of the ESG mandates, whereas the MEA region is represented by:

• Only 2–5% of the total impact-investment market
• With only 1.7% of the total investments going toward combating the climate crisis