Beirut, Lebanon, 4th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As Lebanon advances toward energy independence and clean-tech leadership, Trescon’s newly launched Climate Action & Renewable Energy Expo (CARE) presents a timely platform for the country’s climate stakeholders to engage globally. With 10,000+ attendees, 950 investors, and 225 sponsors from 100+ countries expected across the series, CARE drives real partnerships and project delivery to address the region’s climate challenges. 

CARE kicks off in MENA on 26–27 November in Dubai, followed by KSA edition on 8-9 December in Riyadh and India edition on February.

The series opened with the CARE Dialogues on 24 June 2025 – an exclusive, invite-only session, held in Dubai under the theme “Green Finance and Beyond: Driving ESG Across Sectors.” Powered by Emtribe, the event convened senior leaders from finance, policy, and technology to explore practical strategies for embedding ESG into core business models.  

 “As a partner of CARE, we’re proud to back a platform that focuses on what really matters — getting the right people in the room and driving honest, outcome-focused conversations,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder of Emtribe. He continued, “There’s a lot of talk in this space. CARE stands out by pushing for action that’s practical, collaborative, and needed.” 

As the first official prelude to CARE, the session set the tone for cross-sector collaboration and is helping shape a summit agenda grounded in real-world priorities and regional relevance. 

Lebanon has witnessed a substantial solar boom amid economic turbulence and unreliable grid power. Installed renewables capacity reached 1,297 MW by the end of 2024, growing from just 298 MW in 2015 — a compound annual growth rate of nearly 18% (International Renewable Energy Agency). Solar power now represents over 77% of the country’s total renewable capacity, with rooftop and offgrid systems driven by urgent local demand (Enerdata). A customs report confirmed that Lebanon imported 100,000 tons of solar panels in 2024, marking a four‑fold increase compared to the 25,000 tons imported in 2021. This grassroots adoption has also been supported by legislative reforms, including peertopeer energy trading and netmetering laws, expected to add 800–1,200 MW of smallscale renewables in the coming years (PV Magazine). 

CARE offers government figures, private developers, financiers, and climate-tech entrepreneurs from Lebanon a unique opportunity to connect with regional and global peers. Featuring insightful keynotes, panels, roundtables, and a dynamic exhibition, the summit will spotlight clean-tech solutions across sectors such as solar, wind, green hydrogen, water resiliency, and carbon markets.  

Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon, said: 

“With reforms and investment frameworks enabling small-scale and gridtied renewables, Lebanon is at an inflection point. CARE MENA is built to connect local ambition with regional opportunity—helping Lebanese climate-tech leaders gain traction, funding, and collaboration in high-growth markets.”  

CARE is supported by the Global CARE Alliance, an advisory board of senior figures from climate-tech firms, international development agencies, and public policy including:    

• Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Former Minister of Climate Change & Environment, UAE  

• Dr. Waleed Alkalash, Former Deputy Minister for Labor Policies / CEO Ministry of Labour / Business Consulting & Services, KSA    

• Dr. Ioannis Spanos, Vice President – Sustainability, Expo City Dubai, UAE    

• Alice Spencer, Executive Director, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, UK    

• Maher Al Kaabi, Executive Committee Member, UAEIIC & Council Member, UAE Circular Economy Council    

• Julie Newman, Director of Sustainability, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA   

• Erik Solheim, Former Minister of Environment, & Former Under Secretary General, UNEP, Norway, and others    

Their combined expertise anchors CARE in real-world climate leadership, helping transform high-level dialogue into concrete action, investment, and global impact.    

The summit also includes the ClimateTech World Cup, a global pitch competition inviting Lebanese start-ups and SMEs to present innovative energy, water, and circular economy solutions to international investors, development institutions, and corporate leaders.  

As MENA nations mobilise around net-zero strategies and climate financing, CARE offers Lebanon a powerful channel to spotlight its clean-tech potential, engage regionally, and scale resilient, clean energy solutions. 

For more information, visit www.careforsustainability.com. 

For further enquiries, contact:   

Shadi Dawi  

Global Director  

PR, Corporate Comms. & Media Relations  

M: +971 55 498 4989 | E: shadi@tresconglobal.com  

About CARE  

CARE (Climate Action & Renewable Energy Expo) is a global initiative by Trescon focused on delivering tangible outcomes in climate and clean energy. It is a high-impact marketplace for ideas, capital, and partnerships, bringing together key stakeholders to accelerate sustainable infrastructure, scale climate technologies, and mobilise climate finance. By aligning public and private sector agendas, CARE drives the projects, policies, and investments that power real progress on global climate goals.  

About Trescon  

Trescon is a global business events and consulting firm that builds influential forums connecting governments, business leaders, investors, and innovators across FinTech, AI, sustainability, and emerging technologies. With a portfolio of flagship summits including the Dubai FinTech Summit, Dubai AI Festival, DATEwithTech, HODL, and the World FinTech Show, Trescon is known for catalysing bold ideas, strategic alliances, and real-world outcomes in high-growth markets.  

Key themes at CARE 

• Climate action & decarbonisation 

• Renewable energy & CleanTech 

• Sustainable finance & ESG 

• Cities & infrastructure 

• Water & oceans 

• Circular economy 

• Mobility & transport 

• Food security & agriculture 

Media partners include: Khaleej Times | Entrepreneur ME | FinTech Times | Finance World Magazine | Daily Hunt | American Bazaar | Arabian World Magazine | One Arabia | Bayt Magazine | DSRPTD | One-FS.com | The Blockopedia | H2 News | Green Review | Sustainable Finance Daily | Climate Tech Review | Sustainable Packaging News | Sustainable Times | Breaking AI News | ACN Newswire | ZEX PR Wire | Tech Revolt

Michigan, US, 4th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Cuculia Ristorante, an exceptional dining destination in the heart of Florence, continues to raise the bar for fine dining with its groundbreaking approach to Italian cuisine. With accolades from prestigious organizations—including the Michelin Guide and the Forchettiere Awards—Cuculia has firmly established itself as one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, attracting both local connoisseurs and international food lovers alike.

Led by Chef Oliver Betancourt and his wife Roberta Del Prete, who serves as manager, maître d’, and sommelier, Cuculia delivers an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates creativity, quality, and sustainability. While the restaurant offers a wide range of expertly crafted dishes rooted in Italian tradition, it has also earned international recognition for its exceptional vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Global Recognition in the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE

Cuculia is proud to be ranked 10th in Italy and 94th worldwide for its vegetarian and vegan cuisine by the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE, the leading international guide for sustainable, plant-forward gastronomy. This recognition places Cuculia among the top restaurants globally for its excellence in plant-based cuisine—an especially notable achievement in a region known for its meat-centric culinary traditions.

It’s important to note that while Cuculia’s vegetarian and vegan menus have garnered critical acclaim, they are just one facet of a broader offering. The restaurant’s menu encompasses a full spectrum of refined dishes, marrying the richness of traditional Italian flavors with contemporary techniques and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

A Prestigious Michelin Recognition

Since 2023, Cuculia Ristorante has been recognized by the Michelin Guide—a globally respected symbol of culinary excellence. The Michelin recognition affirms the restaurant’s exceptional standards across all aspects of the dining experience, from food quality and creativity to authenticity and service.

At Cuculia, each dish is a testament to Chef Betancourt’s craftsmanship. The menu evolves with the seasons, offering guests an opportunity to explore both plant-based and traditional dishes made from the finest Tuscan ingredients.

The Forchettiere Award: Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany

Cuculia was also recently honored with the Forchettiere Award for Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany. Voted by the public, this prestigious accolade further cements Cuculia’s role as a leader in the region’s culinary landscape. The award is a testament not only to the restaurant’s refined plant-forward offerings but also to its broader commitment to culinary excellence.

A Bold and Balanced Culinary Vision

In a city steeped in culinary tradition, Cuculia stands out for its bold, plant-forward menus that coexist seamlessly with more traditional Italian offerings. While its vegetarian and vegan tasting menus showcase the artistry and innovation of Chef Betancourt, diners can also enjoy a variety of other dishes that reflect the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine.

Cuculia’s success lies in its ability to reimagine Tuscan ingredients—wild herbs, seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheeses—in new and inspiring ways, without ever straying too far from the roots of Italian gastronomy.

Chef Oliver Betancourt: A Visionary Leader

With over three decades of international experience, Chef Oliver Betancourt brings a global sensibility to Cuculia’s kitchen. Originally from Venezuela, his culinary journey has taken him through renowned kitchens in France, Spain, and Italy. This eclectic background informs his innovative yet grounded approach to Cuculia’s menus, blending elegance with accessibility.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is central to Cuculia’s philosophy. The restaurant partners with local farmers and producers to ensure every dish is crafted with the freshest, most responsibly sourced ingredients. From minimizing food waste to adopting energy-efficient practices, Cuculia is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Redefining Florence’s Dining Scene

As Florence continues to evolve as a gastronomic destination, Cuculia plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s modern culinary identity. Its innovative blend of traditional Italian cuisine and celebrated plant-based offerings challenges conventional expectations and opens up exciting new possibilities for food lovers.

Looking Ahead

Chef Betancourt and Roberta Del Prete remain committed to pushing boundaries—whether through evolving seasonal menus, expanding global culinary influences, or deepening sustainable practices. As Cuculia moves forward, its mission remains clear: to deliver an immersive, refined, and unforgettable dining experience for every guest.

Conclusion: A Gem in Florence’s Culinary Landscape

Cuculia Ristorante has firmly established itself as one of Florence’s premier dining destinations. With Michelin recognition, a Forchettiere Award, and global acclaim from the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE for its outstanding vegetarian cuisine, Cuculia is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in Italian fine dining.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.cuculia.it.

Contact:

Cuculia Ristorante
Phone: +39 349 434 4518 (Mobile)
Phone: +39 055 277 6205 (Landline, available after 5:00 PM)
Website: www.cuculia.it