The Mubadala-sponsored research looked at how five megatrends - digital and disruptive technologies, climate change, demographic shifts, inequality and urbanization- are affecting economic, social and environmental outcomes.

The survey compared the opinions of 1,800 participants from the UAE, China, India, the UK, the United States and France. It also looked at three different population segments: Investors, Millennials, and Gen Z - who are entering the workforce in big numbers.

There is a high degree of alignment across the Bloomberg Media study from respondents about the importance of megatrends to achieving a sustainable future — 73% to 81% of all audiences view megatrends as important in achieving this goal today, and for 2030.

The survey results also reveal a high consensus among respondents that companies who integrate megatrends into their business strategies improve overall performance. Those who do not risk being left behind.

The findings on the impact of climate change lend weight to calls for global action to find solutions to this growing issue. The fact that climate change stands out as the number one risk to the world’s future, outstripping all the other megatrends, underlines the need for greater levels of investment in the energy transition to low-carbon economies.

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a key megatrend for Mubadala. Through investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure the organization is positioning itself to contribute to finding solutions to this challenge.

This fits well with Mubadala’s vision as a long-term investor. “We adopt a forward-leaning investment strategy and allocate capital in line with our long-term views on megatrends, to shape our portfolio and generate long-term sustainable performance while delivering positive impact to current and future generations,” said Marc Antaki, Head of Portfolio Strategy at Mubadala.

Mubadala’s Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Chief Strategy and Risk Officer, called on both the public and private sectors to join forces to find solutions to help tackle this challenge. “The transition to a low carbon economy and harnessing the power of technology to scale up climate solutions are two clear ways to support the world’s epic battle against climate change,” he said.

Investment in renewables has been one of Mubadala’s key focus areas since 2006, when it established Masdar. The creation of a renewable energy company by a hydrocarbon-rich nation was seen at the time as a surprise move. However, today, Masdar is one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy champions, targeting 100GW of power capacity with aims to supply 1 MT of green hydrogen by 2030.

Dr Nikolas Meitanis, Executive Director of Strategy and Corporate Development, Masdar, said, “Since our establishment of Masdar, it has been at the forefront of the UAE’s efforts to have a positive impact on climate action, through the development of renewable energy projects here and abroad, and through investment in new technologies. For countries to reach their net-zero objectives will require further rapid deployment of available solutions and investment in technologies that are yet to reach the market. As we prepare for COP28 here in the UAE, it is essential that we start innovating today to solve our most pressing challenges and deliver a more sustainable tomorrow.”

In 2022, Mubadala alongside BlackRock Real Estate made an acquisition in Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) to support India’s renewable energy independence and transition. Tata Renewables aims to contribute 6%, or 30GW by 2030 with the energy portfolio aiming to displace almost 90 million tons of CO2 each year, as it replaces coal in India’s energy mix.

Mubadala’s recent partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) on Masdar at the end of 2022 is designed to create a global clean energy powerhouse by propelling Masdar’s renewable power capacity to 100GW.