Growing demand for upskilling for sustainability emphasized by experts within the Gulf Cooperation Council region, according to UAE reports
In a premier climate action gathering organised by Khaleej Times, senior public and private officials from various walks of life convened to discuss the future of sustainability in the region. One of the key participants was Yohaan Cama, the corporate ESG and sustainability lead at Gems Education.
Gems Education, an organisation operating over 45 schools and more than 4,000 buses across its portfolio, is taking significant strides towards sustainability. The education group is currently implementing solar energy across all its schools and plans to have solar panels at every school. Yohaan Cama emphasised that every new school and retrofitting project has specific design and performance requirements.
In a panel discussion, Cama also highlighted that each of the group's schools presents a unique challenge. He mentioned that Gems Education is mindful of preserving the sentimental value of its older schools during renovations. This approach is a testament to the organisation's commitment to balancing modernity with tradition.
Fazeela Gopalani, a partner at EY Academy Mena, spoke about the increasing demand for upskilling professionals about sustainability literacy. This demand, she explained, is across all levels of the workforce, from engineers understanding renewable energy to leaders making climate-conscious business decisions.
Dr. Waseem Hoeneini, the managing partner at WMSJ, emphasised the need to invest in a greener future. He identified the top challenges in the carbon market as a lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, reputation risk, poor data transparency, fragmentation, and a lack of high-quality supply.
The conference provided insights into various aspects of the regulatory framework, green financing, and ESG compliance. It was clear that the region is recognising the importance of sustainability and is taking steps to address the challenges.
In Saudi Arabia, institutions like Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and various government institutions are focusing on sustainable energy and practices as part of their strategies. Saudi Aramco, one of the world's largest oil companies, is concentrating on sustainable energy sources and eco-friendly practices. KAFD, a significant financial centre, promotes sustainable building and operations. Many government institutions are working towards the implementation of goals within the Saudi Vision 2030, which includes sustainable development.
In the United Arab Emirates, organisations like the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Masdar City are leading the way in sustainable energy production and infrastructure. DEWA, a power and water utility, focuses heavily on renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. ADNOC, one of the largest oil and gas companies, is shifting its focus to sustainable energy production. Masdar City, an eco-city in Abu Dhabi, concentrates on renewable energy and sustainable building.
These trends underscore the importance of sustainability in the region. While specific statements from Fazeela Gopalani could not be found, it is clear that big institutions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, like sovereign wealth funds and energy firms, are seeking to upskill their teams. This is a response to the growing need for professionals with knowledge of sustainability, as many organisations are hiring from abroad to fill this gap.
Waheed Abbas, the Assistant Editor at Khaleej Times, who frequently reports on real estate, aviation, and business stories that affect UAE consumers, also attended the conference. He often covers human interest stories as well. His presence at the conference underscores the importance of sustainability as a topic of interest for consumers and businesses alike.
In conclusion, the fourth edition of the conference provided valuable insights into the region's efforts towards sustainability. The demand for upskilling professionals in sustainability is clear, and major institutions are responding by investing in their teams and infrastructure. The future of sustainability in the region looks promising, with organisations like Gems Education leading the way in education and implementing sustainable practices.
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