The first ever Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Annual Forum in Bahrain convened regional and global industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

Hosted by Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) under the theme "Catalysing Competitiveness through Strategic Partnerships", the 19th editon, held from December 8–11, 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain, attracted 2,586 delegates from 450 companies across 42 countries.

Key insights were drawn from GPCA’s latest report, "Driving ESG Adoption: Progress and Challenges in the GCC Petrochemical Industry".

The report revealed strong ESG progress, with 79 per cent of GCC petrochemical companies publishing ESG reports and maintaining formal ESG committees.

Adoption of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework reached 83 per cent, exceeding the global heavy-industry average, while 88 per cent of companies reported having responsible supply-chain systems in place.

Sustainability remained a focal point through the second edition of the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion, which featured Environment, Social, and Governance zones, alongside the debut of a Carbon Markets Workshop, reflecting increased attention on climate finance.

Human capital development was another major pillar.

The 4th GPCA Youth Forum engaged more than 320 young professionals and students, promoting mentorship and future skills development.

Additionally, the second Women in Chemicals Workshop explored the role of artificial intelligence in organisational leadership.

Innovation and low-carbon transition were further highlighted through the GPCA Startup Nexus and the 3rd GPCA Solutions Xchange, showcasing advances in circular economy, climate action, carbon management, and digitalisation, underlining the sector’s commitment to sustainable and competitive growth.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, 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."