Dubai, UAE: A total of 15 new member companies joined the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network in 2018, while 18 new task forces established under the Network tackled key sustainability challenges faced by various industries in Dubai.

These achievements were highlighted during a special ceremony recently held at Dubai Chamber’s premises where members of the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network were recognised for their CSR and sustainability initiatives, campaigns and other efforts launched last year.

A total of 17 high profile networking events, sessions and workshops were organised and hosted by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network in 2018, which were attended by delegates representing 200 companies and organisations in the UAE. These events examined a wide range of issues, challenges and opportunities related to sustainable supply chains, roads safety, green buildings, accessibility for people with determination, and sustainability reporting, among many other important matters.

Among the most high-profile and successful events in 2018 was the Dubai Dialogue conference which examined the role of modern technologies in improving CSR and sustainability practices.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Hisham Al Shirawi, 2^nd Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry described 2018 as “an incredibly successful year” for the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network which is currently joined by 60 member companies. He lauded the member companies for their achievements which are driving the social impact of the business community in Dubai.

“Going forward, the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network will continue to encourage businesses to keep raising the bar and enhancing their CSR and sustainability strategies and practices,” said H.E. Al Shirawi, who highlighted several other achievements made by Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business over the years.

H.E. Al Shirawi revealed that the ENGAGE Dubai corporate volunteering initiative boosted its social impact in 2018 by engaging 26,000 volunteers from 195 companies who dedicated their time to make a positive change in their communities. He noted that awareness of CSR standards and practices continues to grow within the business community in Dubai, reflected in the 320 Dubai Chamber CSR Labels awarded since the Label was first launched in 2010.

During the ceremony, Mashael Al Ansari, Climate Change Specialist, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) highlighted the important role of the private sector in contributing towards the UAE’s sustainable development, and described the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network as the right platform for fostering partnerships and collaborations in this area.

As a member and beneficiary of the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, Herve Faujour, Chief Operating Officer, Veolia Middle East spoke about how responsible practices are shaping business sustainability and explained how the Network is playing a crucial role in promoting and advocating for sustainable business.

Established by the Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing CSR. The network provides an opportunity for local companies to network, learn, share experiences and constitute CSR leadership.

The Centre for Responsible Business was established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2004 to support and promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The Centre’s objective is to engage the Dubai business community in assuming greater responsibility for the emirate’s social and environmental needs. The CRB also promotes Dubai as the GCC’s gateway for global commerce by offering its business partners an environment of transparency and rule of law.