Coinciding with Bahrain’s National Day celebrations, the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) concluded the 19th Annual Forum from 8–11 December at Exhibition World Bahrain, marking a historic edition held for the first time under the patronage of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies.

Hosted by Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), the Forum convened regional and global industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to chart the future of the chemical industry through discussions on sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth. The timing reinforced Bahrain’s role as a hub for industrial leadership and international collaboration.

Key insights from GPCA’s latest report, “Driving ESG Adoption: Progress and Challenges in the GCC Petrochemical Industry,” highlighted the region’s rapid ESG progress: 79% of GCC petrochemical companies now publish ESG reports, while 83% have adopted the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, surpassing the global heavy-industry average of 70%. Additionally, 88% of companies now implement responsible supply-chain systems, reinforcing ethical and transparent operations.

Sustainability took center stage with the return of the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion, now in its second year, featuring dedicated Environment, Social, and Governance zones. For the first time, a Carbon Markets Workshop was introduced, reflecting the sector’s growing focus on climate-related financial mechanisms.

Investment in human capital remained a core theme. The 4th GPCA Youth Forum, led by the GPCA Youth Council, welcomed over 320 young professionals and students from across the Arabian Gulf. Participants engaged in mentorship, knowledge exchange, and forward-looking discussions on the future of the chemical industry.

With 95% of GCC companies involved in community initiatives and nearly universal support for STEM programs, the region continues to outperform global averages, where only 63% of chemical companies offer structured youth programs.

The Forum also featured the second Women in Chemicals Workshop, delivered by McKinsey & Company in collaboration with GPCA on 10 December, exploring the role of AI in organizational management.

Innovation and the low-carbon transition were highlighted throughout the Forum. The GPCA Startup Nexus showcased entrepreneurs delivering breakthrough solutions in circular economy and climate action, while the 3rd GPCA Solutions Xchange acted as a hub for collaborations in plastics circularity, carbon management, and digitalization.

Commenting on the Forum, Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA, said: “The 19th Annual GPCA Forum reflects our industry’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive leadership. GCC chemical companies are today surpassing global benchmarks across several ESG indicators, including youth empowerment and ESG reporting.

"This milestone edition, held in Bahrain under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad, demonstrates that our region is not only keeping pace with global developments, but actively shaping new standards for competitiveness and responsible growth.”

Held under the theme “Catalyzing Competitiveness through Strategic Partnerships,” the Forum attracted 2,586 delegates representing 450 companies from 42 countries, cementing its reputation as a premier global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic alignment in the chemical industry.