Dubai's DEWA participates in 7th Arabia CSR Forum 2016

DUBAI, 19th October, 2016 (WAM)--Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has reiterated DEWAs commitment towards implementing the directives of Dubai Government, and its strategy to achieve social development, while continuing efforts to support sustainable, social, economic, and environmental growth in Dubai, to improve the quality of life, and achieve the happiness of all citizens and residents.

Al Tayer made the statement at the 7th Arabia CSR Forum 2016, attended by Habiba Al Marashi, President and Founder of the Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN), Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the Economic Affairs sector at the League of Arab States, and Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

The 7th Arabia CSR Forum 2016, organised by Arabia CSR Network, is held from 19th - 20th October at the Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay, under the theme Accelerating the Arab Sustainable Development Agenda through Innovation and Collaboration. The forum witnessed the participation of key decision makers, and regional and international experts in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and held under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim At-Twaijri, Assistant Under-Secretary General of Economic Affairs at the League of Arab States, in collaboration with United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP).

"DEWA will continue its efforts towards supporting the social, economic, and environmental growth of the Emirate, through leading projects and initiatives in social development. We are inspired by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021, to transform Dubai into a smart, integrated, and connected city that uses its resources sustainably," said Al Tayer.

"DEWA plays a major role in promoting a culture of rational consumption in Dubai, and takes priority in organising community campaigns to make a positive change in how we use electricity and water. This helps to develop eco-friendly practices among all community members. By launching initiatives to reduce electricity and water use during the last seven years, DEWA managed to save 1.344 gigawatt (GW) of electricity, and 5.6 billion imperial gallons of water, saving AED 841 million. These numbers reflect peoples contribution to national and international efforts to limit climate change and global warming by adopting a positive behaviour at work, and at home," added Al Tayer.

"DEWA supports the "My Community A City for Everyone" initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a fully disability-friendly city by 2020, by making every effort to encourage people with disabilities to be more involved with the community. The initiative also supports the disabled in overcoming certain obstacles, providing equal opportunities and rights, and promoting and maintaining social cohesion," he said.

"As a result of our ongoing efforts in CS, DEWA won two awards from the Arab Organisation for CSR. These are the Golden Shield Award in environmental conservation for DEWAs Neighbourhood Campaign, and the Certificate of Excellence in technological innovation for DEWAs mobile photovoltaic-powered reverse-osmosis seawater-desalination plant. We also won three awards at the Smart Cities Summit and Awards 2016 during the World CSR Day activities in Mumbai, India. DEWA won in the Best Smart City Initiative category for our Green Charger Initiative, in addition to winning the Configuration and Deployment of Smart City Infrastructure 2016 category for the Dubai Smart Soil Initiative. DEWA also received the award for Most Powerful Smart City Leaders." DEWA received the MVO8000 Global certification in CSR, becoming the first government body in Dubai to do so. DEWA has also achieved an advanced level in applying ISO26000 in CSR. DEWA was also one of the first organisations in the GCC and the Middle East to receive the 8000-2008SA certificate in CSR in 2010," said Al Tayer.

"These international achievements reflect our efforts to serve the community, and our efforts to implement CSR strategies, based on the highest international standards and practices," he said.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.