In October 2024 the AHK hosted a 2-Day Sustainability Course in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Abu Dhabi as part of the Climate Talks initiative. Facilitated by Adrienne Doolan from SustainGlobal, the program delved into various aspects of sustainability and its integration into business practices.
The first day of the course included discussions on the climate crisis, Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Global Compact. Participants also gained insights on COPs, the Paris Agreement, and IPCC reporting. Marion Désormeaux from 2tonnes led engaging activities on climate change and carbon footprint calculations.
The second day focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, corporate culture, and leadership in sustainability. Vivek Tripathi from Olive Gaea presented tools and approaches for decarbonization. The event closed with a Key Note Speech by H. E. Ms. Sybille Pfaff, the Consul General of Germany in the UAE, and certificate presentations.
The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability goals into business strategies to address the climate crisis. The recently introduced Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 ‘On the Reduction of Climate Change Effects’, effective from 30 May 2025, aligns with the UAE's overarching sustainability objectives. It establishes guidelines for industries to achieve emission reduction goals and adopt strategies for climate resilience, contributing to the country's ambitious climate targets. This underlines the need for businesses to start their sustainability journey now and emphasizes the role of business leaders in driving sustainability initiatives within the entire organization.
The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce is actively supporting and providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge transfer on sustainability practices.
