DP WORLD CARBON AMBASSADORS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO CONTAINERS CONVERTED INTO REFUGEE CLASSROOMS

ENCOURAGING INNOVATION AMONG EMIRATI YOUTH IS PART OF DEWA’S MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and DP World, the global trade enabler, have completed the transformation of out-of-service shipping containers into classrooms for refugee camps, another successful initiative of the Carbon Ambassador Programme.

The second edition of the Dubai Carbon Programme was organised once again in collaboration with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). DP World provided all participating groups with six containers to convert them as part of their projects which will be displayed at the 18th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2016), which is organised by DEWA under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and President of DEWA, during the period from 4 to 6 October 2016 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The project was sponsored by DP World and worked on by its employees, raising awareness on environmental issues by using sustainable material in the construction of the classrooms and by employing renewable resources such as solar energy to fuel the running of air-conditioning and electronic equipment. The programme aims to promote a culture of sustainable development among fresh graduates and young employees through engaging them in green activities planned by different public and private sector organisations.

DEWA provides all the necessary capabilities for the success of the Carbon Ambassadors Programme, engaging participants in activities, training courses, and workshops on sustainability, climate change and the environment.

The eight young Emirati women from DP World who worked on the project are Alia Janahi, Maryam Al Zaabi, Saeeda Khamis, Sana Al Awadi, Thureya Al Ali, Shatha Al Falasi, Khaloud Al Jasmi and Nora Al Ali. Inspired by nature, recycling and technology, they’ve created a classroom for children who are in need of educational assistance and better learning environments.

The unique space will give refugee children access to real-life, working sustainable technologies, while enabling them and developing their thinking toward building a sustainable future for their communities.

“To achieve the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and help enhance Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, finance, tourism, and green economy, DEWA organises the Carbon Ambassadors Programme in collaboration with Dubai Carbon. DEWA adopts a clear strategy to develop national staff. DEWA strives to enhance the creative skills of young people and motivate them to innovate. DEWA is also committed to involve the youth in achieving sustainable development objectives. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, who will play a key role in decision-making at all levels. This is the goal of the Carbon Ambassadors Programme,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“Since its launch, the Carbon Ambassador Programme was supported and it achieved success. DEWA has won the Training Initiative of the Year Award from the Emirates Green Building Council, for the Carbon Ambassadors Programme. DEWA sponsors the programme to involve youth in environmental and sustainability issues. This reflects our efforts to achieve the objectives of our wise government, in adherence with the Carbon Abatement Strategy, to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by 2020,” concluded Al Tayer.

“Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of being a responsible business and we believe doing the right thing today is the best way to thrive in the future. That means partnering with our peers to deliver programmes that promote sustainable development for the long term. The Carbon Ambassador Programme is a shining example of that kind of partnership. It forms part of our strategy to involve Emirati youth in promoting sustainable development and to support the visionary leadership of the country in achieving the UAE Vision 2020 2021 to build a green economy in tandem with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. By strategically investing in issues that affect our society we are creating a legacy for future generations and their involvement is key,” said HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO.

“Our global sustainability programme, (Our World, Our Future), aims to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business. That means investing in people, protecting our environment, ensuring the highest safety standards and taking steps towards building a vibrant, secure and resilient society. I am delighted to see our Ambassadors contributing to the welfare of the world in this way, building expertise, know-how and experience to pass on this knowledge. It is our future generations that will become the stewards of the world tomorrow and they need to be equipped with the right mindset and skills to achieve it all,” added bin Sulayem.

“DP World earlier supervised the first batch of Carbon Ambassadors, which consisted of 29 Emirati students who were tasked to design and implement a plan to transform four 20-foot shipping containers into self-sustaining and eco-friendly bus stops. We are pleased to renew our cooperation with DEWA to mobilise our youth in shaping the country’s economic and eco-friendly development,” said Nabil Battal, DP World Global Safety & Environment Director.