Dubai workshop emphasizes sustainability practices, employee engagement

The Dubai Chamber Centre for Responsible Business’ ENGAGE Dubai program partnered with the Emirates Wildlife Society - World Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF) to hold its first workshop of the year, ‘‘Road to Sustainability - Barriers, Opportunities and Employee Engagement," to teach participants about implementing sustainability practices.

EWS-WWF Corporate Membership Program Manager Avan Al Dabbagh spoke about the barriers companies face in getting employees involved in sustainable projects.

Dr. Belaid Rettab, senior director of economic research for the sustainable business development sector of the Dubai chamber, said the workshops will help reflect the private sector's commitment toward promoting sustainable, responsible work environments. He said adopting responsible business practices does not require a huge budget and adjustments to simple energy and water consumption can have a large impact.

“The Dubai Chamber Centre for Responsible Business assists members of the Dubai chamber and the rest of the business community in adopting responsible business practices that enhance their performance and competitive advantage through its programs and interactions with stakeholders, including employees and customers,” Rettab said.

Laila Abdullatif, deputy director general for EWS-WWF, thanked ENGAGE Dubai for bringing together businesses from various industries to learn more about energy efficiency barriers in the private sector and opportunities of engagement aid.

 "It is imperative to recognize the benefits of reducing energy and water consumption, especially with the increasing demand and rapid development in the UAE, not to mention the importance of awareness on the urgency of the impacts of climate change, on a local and global scale," Abdullatif said. "Businesses are not isolated from these impacts and have a shared responsibility to take action in reducing their emissions by being fully equipped with the right tools needed to overcome these barriers and operate more efficiently."