ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027 to bring the global steel community to Abu Dhabi

ResponsibleSteel has announced that its flagship global Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 16–18 March 2027, bringing together more than 400 leaders from across the iron and steel value chain to accelerate progress towards responsibly produced, low-emission steel.

Hosted with the support of Lead Sponsor EMSTEEL, the ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027 will provide a global platform for collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from across the steel value chain. The Forum will focus on tackling real-world challenges, advancing practical solutions and accelerating the actions needed to scale responsible, low-emission steel production, while strengthening the policy, investment and market frameworks that will enable the industry's transition.

The multi-day programme will feature keynote discussions, plenary sessions, practical working sessions, targeted roundtables and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing. Participants will include steelmakers, raw material suppliers, downstream buyers from sectors including automotive, construction and energy, alongside policymakers, financial institutions, trade unions and civil society organisations. Together, they will explore the challenges facing the sector and identify practical solutions that can help accelerate progress while recognising leadership and innovation across the industry.

The MENA region is becoming increasingly important to the global steel transition, and the ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027 will reflect that momentum by bringing the global steel community to Abu Dhabi. With access to renewable energy, emerging hydrogen capabilities and strong industrial ambition, the region is well positioned to play a leading role in the shift towards near-zero steel. The Forum will also serve as an important bridge between COP31 and COP32, helping shape the steel sector's contribution to international climate discussions.

The Forum will be global in scope, bringing together participants from a broad and diverse range of countries and regions. It reflects the international nature of the iron and steel value chain and the shared need for credible standards, enabling policy, investment and stronger market signals to support the transition to responsible steel production.

The programme will focus on moving from ambition to implementation, including:

• Advancing credible standards and certification for responsible steel

• Scaling near-zero emissions iron and steel production

• Strengthening demand signals and green procurement

• Unlocking finance and investment for transition technologies

• Ensuring a just and inclusive transition across the value chain

Further details on the programme and speakers will be announced in due course.

ResponsibleSteel CEO Annie Heaton said the Forum comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, as the global transition continues to reshape steel production and the role of clean energy infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

"At a time when the global context continues to shift, we are acutely aware of the importance of clean energy infrastructure and the growing role of sunbelt economies in enabling the transition to low emission iron and steel. Against that backdrop, the ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027 will bring together leaders from across the value chain for what promises to be a timely global conversation on the future of responsible steel. By convening this multistakeholder community in the UAE, we aim to turn shared ambition into coordinated and coherent action and accelerate progress towards a more responsible, low-emission industry."

ResponsibleSteel Chair Gerry Tidd said the Forum reflects the organisation's founding belief that lasting progress depends on collaboration across the steel value chain and between a broad range of stakeholders.

"ResponsibleSteel was founded more than a decade ago, on the belief that real sustainability in steel requires collective action by multi-stakeholders. At a time of rapid technological and economic challenge for the sector, ResponsibleSteel plans to host the ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027 where we bring all our members and stakeholders together to address the near- and long-term future of sustainable steel.

The Forum 2027 will be held in the MENA region and hosted by leading steelmaker, EMSTEEL. The Forum will convene a worldwide collection of leaders from across our dynamic industry. It's a Forum not to be missed."

For EMSTEEL, hosting the Forum marks an important milestone for both the company and the wider region. Group CEO Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said the event reflects Abu Dhabi's growing role as an international centre for industrial transformation while providing an opportunity for stakeholders to align around practical solutions for the future of steel.

"Hosting the ResponsibleSteel Forum in Abu Dhabi for the first time in the MENA region is a strategic milestone for EMSTEEL, the UAE, and the global steel industry. It reflects Abu Dhabi's growing role as an international centre for industrial transformation and climate-focused dialogue, while reinforcing EMSTEEL's leadership in advancing responsible steel production. As decarbonisation continues to reshape operating models, investment decisions, and long-term competitiveness, this Forum will provide a critical platform to align global stakeholders around practical solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable steel sector."

Join us in Abu Dhabi

Registration will open soon. If you'd like to receive updates and be among the first to hear when registration opens, register your interest below.

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Sponsorship opportunities

A range of sponsorship opportunities is available for organisations looking to showcase their leadership and engage with an international audience of industry decision-makers.

If you're interested in sponsoring the ResponsibleSteel Forum 2027, please contact alobo@responsiblesteel.org

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