The Climate Governance Initiative is delighted to announce the launch of its 33rd Chapter, Chapter Zero UAE, which launched in Abu Dhabi on 31 October 2024
Chapter Zero UAE will equip and empower board directors across the UAE to integrate climate governance into corporate strategies, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 vision and drawing on the World Economic Forum’s Principles for Effective Climate Governance.
The new Chapter sees the Climate Governance Initiative’s global network grow to 73 countries, with a collective membership of over 100,000 board directors.
Chapter Zero UAE was launched with support from Mubadala and HSBC, and in the presence of HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and the Co-Founder of Aurora50, at an event in Abu Dhabi. Speaking at the event, Dr. Anoud Al Ali, Undersecretary, Ministry of Climate Change & Environment addressed the need for climate-focused governance in shaping the future of businesses in the UAE. Mr Shai Ganu, member of the Governing Board of the Climate Governance Initiative, also attended and welcomed the new Chapter.
Board members, sustainability consultants and CEOs are welcome to join the Chapter as members and will have access to tailored training, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, networking events, newsletters and the latest resources to help them integrate climate governance into decision-making processes within their organisations.
HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Chapter Zero UAE, said:
“The UAE has always been at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the region. From spearheading innovative clean energy solutions to establishing global partnerships for environmental preservation, our leadership has placed sustainability at the heart of our development strategy. This dedication is not only a reflection of our values but a responsibility we all share. Chapter Zero UAE will ensure this responsibility is translated to our board rooms, by providing corporate leaders with the tools and insights needed to embed climate governance into decision-making processes and accelerating the achievement of our commitment to net zero by 2050.”
Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Governing Board of the Climate Governance Initiative, said:
“As we look ahead to COP29, it is clear that board directors have a major role to play in delivering the ideas, ambition and action necessary to drive our transition to a net-zero future. I am delighted to see the launch of Chapter Zero UAE, the 33rd Chapter in the Climate Governance Initiative’s global network and third Chapter in the Middle East and North Africa. Chapter Zero UAE will have the full support of the global network as it equips board directors in the UAE to address climate in their businesses and make a real impact on the climate crisis.”
The Chapter will work with partners such as Aurora50, HSBC, Mubadala, UAE University, University of Dubai, and Simmons & Simmons to lead corporate climate governance efforts in the region.
Ahmed Al Calily, Chief Strategy & Risk Officer at Mubadala Investment Company, said:
“We’re proud to partner in launching Chapter Zero UAE, a critical platform for advancing climate governance. At Mubadala, responsible investing is at the core of our mission, and we believe that integrating environmental considerations into investment decisions and stewardship is essential for creating enduring value. We believe through Chapter Zero UAE, board directors will be empowered to make climate action an integral part of corporate strategy, driving resilience, long-term value, and a sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.”
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East:
“HSBC is delighted to be one of the founding donors for Chapter Zero UAE. We have a long history of supporting other Climate Governance Initiative Chapters around the world, including the UK and more recently Chapter Zero Egypt. Working with clients on their carbon transition journey is a key part of our Net Zero Transition Plan and we believe the oversight and leadership from boardrooms will be critical for each organisation. This very important initiative gives board directors some of the tools they need to help drive change here in the UAE.”
For more information or to become a member of Chapter Zero UAE, visit www.chapterzerouae.com, and follow the Chapter on LinkedIn.
Further information
About the Climate Governance Initiative
The Climate Governance Initiative is a non-profit dedicated to mobilising boards to accelerate the transition to net zero and build climate resilience. We develop and support a global network that empowers and mobilises board directors on every continent to take climate action by enhancing their knowledge and skills in climate governance. We are a rapidly growing global network with Chapters in over 70 countries worldwide, reaching more than 100,000 chairs, non-executive and independent directors.
Get in touch
Esme Montgomery Friedner | Senior Communications Manager | Climate Governance Initiative
communications@climate-governance.org
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