UN Global Compact Launches Local Network in United Arab Emirates

(Dubai, 21 May 2015) – In the presence of over 150 representatives from business, Government, business associations, academia, civil society and other stakeholders, Global Compact Network United Arab Emirates was launched in Dubai on Thursday.

At the launch, Sultan Butti Min Mejren, Director General of Dubai Land Department gave the keynote speech, expressing support for the Global Compact on a national level.

The Secretariat of the Network will be hosted at the Dubai Real Estate Institute, the official training arm of the Dubai Land Department, and supported by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee.  The two-hour event included the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Mahmoud Al Burai, Representative of the Network and Managing Director of the Dubai Real Estate Institute, and Walid Nagi, Chief of Local Networks at the UN Global Compact, making the UAE the first country network in the Gulf.

In the opening speech, Mr. Al Burai voiced his commitment to growing the network by at least two-folds within a year and putting in place a strong activity plan that meets the needs of participants and supports their efforts in integrating corporate sustainability into operations and strategies. 

The launch culminated with a roundtable discussion facilitated by Network Steering Committee members engaging Global Ccopact participants and other stakeholders in a dialogue about the role the network will play in shaping and advancing responsible business in the UAE.

• See agenda

Contact

Walid Nagi
Chief, Local Networks
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org