The integration of sustainability into strategy has moved from a peripheral concern to a defining aspect of organizational strategy. In its fourth edition, The KPI Institute’s State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Report reflects this trend alongside its wider analysis of strategy management practices. 

Findings indicate that 74% of professionals reported that sustainability is part of their organization’s strategic plan this year—a 10-percentage-point increase from 2024. The report attributes the overall rise to heightened investor demands, shifting consumer behavior, and growing global and regional pressure on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

Expanding on this finding, the report includes insights from Mohummed Haris, head of corporate strategy in the automotive industry, who shared that his organization’s sustainability strategy is guided by a broader vision that “brings with it expectations around specific reporting standards, whether it be International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or certain KPIs.” He added that the organization aims to become a process-driven entity, aligning its strategy with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Sustainability Framework, the United Nations (UN) Global Compact standards, and Saudi Arabia’s national net-zero ambitions.

Sector-specific data highlights how the integration of sustainability into strategy varies across industries. Retail demonstrates the strongest commitment, with 100% of respondents confirming sustainability as part of their strategic planning process. Manufacturing and energy follow closely at 75%, driven by strict regulatory frameworks and scrutiny from global markets. 

Meanwhile, the report shows banking as the least aligned, with half of the respondents stating that sustainability is not part of their strategy. The healthcare and engineering sectors also show majority agreement, but 18% and 16% of respondents disagreed, respectively, which indicates that sustainability is not yet fully integrated into their strategy. The report’s findings show that stronger integration could be achieved by setting “clearer policy mandates or improved understanding of how sustainability impacts long-term performance in those sectors.”

In the report’s Recommendations for Best Practices section, Teodora Gorski, Managing Director – MENA at The KPI Institute, recommends embedding sustainability into the core of strategy design by integrating ESG priorities into strategic themes, KPI frameworks, and initiative portfolios. She further advises extending accountability beyond ESG teams by assigning executive ownership, tracking business unit contributions, and aligning sustainability goals with investment and board-level reporting.

The 2025 report shows that despite the growing momentum gained due to certain industries making bold strides toward sustainability, some remain cautious. To uncover the full picture, download the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Report, which features a refined survey design, broader regional coverage, and expert interviews that bring practical, real-world context to the findings. Access the report here.

Performance Magazine, the flagship business publication of The KPI Institute, announces the release of its highly anticipated government edition, featuring the 2025 Government Services Index (GSI)—a comprehensive benchmark assessing the performance of public sector institutions worldwide.

Produced by The KPI Institute’s Publications team, the GSI evaluates overall strategic effectiveness, service delivery, digital readiness, and citizen engagement across governments. It serves as an essential reference for understanding how public institutions are adapting to global challenges while striving to deliver better outcomes.

Expanding on these findings, the government edition of Performance Magazine provides strategic, data-backed insights into how governments are navigating complex demands, from rising citizen expectations and fiscal constraints to the pace of digital transformation. Through the lens of strategy and performance management, this special issue highlights which countries are leading, where progress is uneven, and what practices are driving measurable success.

The In-Depth section unpacks key findings from the GSI, offering analysis of regional and international trends in government performance and innovation. The Interviews section features insights from reputable public sector leaders, while Ask Our Experts delivers actionable guidance from The KPI Institute’s subject matter experts on achieving results in high-stakes environments.

This edition is a must-read for government professionals, policy strategists, and performance leaders seeking to understand what works and how to lead change. 

Performance Magazine Issue No. 35, 2025 – Government Edition is available now as a free digital download at the TKI Marketplace. For readers who prefer a print version, hard copies can be ordered via Amazon.

The new year presents new opportunities for growth, learning, and improvement. With evolving trends and rising performance expectations, professionals must continue to strengthen their strategy and performance capabilities. 

The KPI Institute’s 2026 Learning Lineup equips participants with practical tools to enhance strategy execution, performance governance, and KPI management. Programs are delivered through live virtual classrooms, face-to-face courses across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and self-paced eLearning—offering flexible, accessible, and digital-first learning experiences.

Each program is grounded in rigorous global frameworks and standards, promoting ethical performance management, strategic alignment, and long-term value creation. With globally recognized certification and accreditation offerings, participants gain credibility and practical skills to elevate performance management maturity across their organizations.

Key offerings in the 2026 learning lineup include two new courses: Certified Training Professional, which is designed to strengthen organizational training and development by guiding participants through a structured instructional design approach; and Certified AI Enablement Professional, which equips professionals with the skills to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline tasks, save time, and enhance the quality of work and outcomes.

Explore the full 2026 course lineup in detail and plan your professional development by accessing the course calendar below:

• Live Online courses 2026: https://kpiinstitute.org/Live_Online_Training_Courses_2026_Calendar_a.pdf
• Face-to-Face courses 2026 – EMEA: https://kpiinstitute.org/MENA_UK_Training_Courses_2026_Calendar.pdf
• Face-to-Face courses 2026 – SEA: https://kpiinstitute.org/SEA_Training_Courses_2026_Calendar.pdf

Looking ahead, The KPI Institute continues to advance strategy and performance management practices, expand research-driven insights, and strengthen global partnerships to help organizations and professionals deliver sustainable impact and measurable results. 

In line with this commitment, The KPI Institute is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia by opening a dedicated hub and delivering accelerated training programs that feature more flexible delivery formats. These enhancements provide greater accessibility and convenience without compromising the depth, interactivity, or quality that define The KPI Institute’s globally recognized certifications. 

With The KPI Institute’s flexible 2026 learning options, professionals can plan their development with ease. Ready to elevate your performance and strategy skills? Explore the full scheduled course calendar, browse monthly programs, and register today through the TKI Marketplace to advance your skills and drive measurable impact.