In order to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on business in the UAE, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Center for Responsible Business, organised a session for its Sustainability Network members at its headquarters in collaboration with Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF).

The seminar outlined the UAE's vision and strategy for energy and climate change and gave participants the opportunity to discuss environmental challenges impacting their businesses. The speakers included Tanzeed Alam, Director of Policy, EWS-WWF, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Director, Energy & Climate Change, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate of Energy & Climate Change and Ibrahim Al Zubi, Head of CSR, Majid Al Futtaim Properties. 

Dr Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, said the seminar was part of Dubai Chamber's efforts to encourage a responsible and sustainable business culture in the emirates.

Dr Rettab said, "It is important that businesses identify the impact that they are having on the environment today so that they can begin to reduce their contribution to climate change. The main benefit of this seminar was to create a constructive dialogue between the government and the private sector to help achieve a common interest."

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Energy and Climate Change Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke during the seminar, said, "In recent years, climate and clean energy policy has come to play a more and more important role for the UAE. The UAE has already made major advancements in clean energy and climate protection, such as through producing zero carbon power, investing in clean energy projects locally and internationally, pioneering new technologies to cut emissions and improving energy and water efficiency. We are also leaders in international cooperation, by hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and actively participating in UN climate change negotiations."

Tanzeed Alam, Policy Director at EWS-WWF, said, "EWS-WWF is delighted to partner with the Dubai Chamber Centre for Responsible Business to foster dialogue between businesses and government on climate change and its impacts for UAE businesses. Reducing the UAE's carbon footprint will require collaboration between the private sector and government, which is why it's particularly encouraging to hear how companies in Dubai are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, the barriers that they face and how the UAEgovernment is developing policies to help lift such barriers."

The Centre for Responsible Business, which was formed in 2004, is the longest standing centre promoting business responsibility in the UAE. The Centre assists Dubai Chamber members to apply responsible business practices that enhance their performance and competitiveness. The Centre also provides research, training and events related to the concept of corporate social responsibility.