Dubai Chamber initiative of 'Making it Our Business' program celebrates its first anniversary at gala dinner attended by HE Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry along with Vital Voices Global Partnership and 11 participating corporate companies marked the first anniversary of the launch of the 'Making it Our Business' program, a workplace awareness raising initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel on Wednesday, October 15.
Attending the event were HE Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State, HE Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman, HE Eng Hamad Buamim, Director General and other officials of Dubai Chamber, HE Paul Sutphin, US Consul General in Dubai, Dr Houriya Kazim, a surgeon and founder of Breast Cancer Research Foundation of the Emirates, members of the business community, media and representatives of the 11 corporate companies who were presented trophies for their contribution to the cause over the last one year. Dubai Chamber also presented a token of appreciation to HE Reem Al Hashimi.
The Minister praised the pioneering role played by Dubai Chamber in leading this noble initiative, and invited everyone to participate and to help the community campaign to achieve its objectives. HE Reem Al Hashimi said, "Let your achievements not stop you, do not expect change to occur, but you have to race to bring about positive change in society, take the banner of a sense of social responsibility, and work to bring change in your workplace and society."
While welcoming the gathering on behalf of Dubai Chamber, Al Shirawi said, "Due to the fact that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide.
Dubai Chamber has chosen October 15th as the day to celebrate the success of everyone's 'fight' against breast cancer and to also mark the one year launch and signing of the program in Dubai. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the 'Making it Our Business' program a big success."
Al Shirawi said, "Thanks to the efforts of Dubai's business community that understands the significance and value of corporate social responsibility, we had 11 corporate companies joining in for spreading the message of workplace awareness and I would like to take this opportunity to invite more
companies to join and show that we as a dynamic business community do care for the wellbeing and health of our mothers, sisters and daughters. This is what makes us all proud of our multicultural society that steps forward to work as a unit to contribute towards creating awareness and support of such cause and other similar causes that affect our society and region."
Added Al Shirawi, "Inspired by its leadership, Dubai as a city has been promptly taking on many noble humanitarian programmes. For instance, the 'Dubai City that Cares' charity programme that raised money for the underprivileged and then 'Dubai Cares' also raising money for disadvantaged children's education. The latest being Noor Dubai which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai recently, and works towards restoring and correcting the vision of affected people, especially children from poor countries."
Al Shirawi said, "The 'Making it Our Business' program, which is a Dubai Chamber initiative, comes as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and links Dubai's commitment to social responsibility. This is evident in the creation of the Center for Responsible Business whose goal is to spread the social awareness programme to maximum number of companies willing to bring in best practice and spur action in their workplace." He called upon the gathering to make breast cancer awareness a priority in their lives, for their loved ones, and for their friends, and for the human race.
To date, over 40 workplace workshops have been held in Dubai with over 80 volunteer employees being trained to educate their colleagues on preventative measures against breast cancer. In addition, since August 2008 until February 2009, all employees of the 12 charter companies in Dubai will be eligible to receive free clinical breast exams, consultations with doctors, and reduced costs on mammograms and ultrasounds.
On his part, HE Paul Sutphin, US Consul General in Dubai, thanked US First Lady Laura Bush for her support to the campaign and said that Dubai is leading the change process in the region through its support for social programs including the 'Making it Our Business' which is a good example of working together for the health of women folk in our society.
Said Mrs Raja Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women's Council, "Breast cancer is not just an women's issue. It is a family issue, a workplace issue, and a common concern that is shared by all human beings. Last year, Dubai Business Women's Council played an important and active role in the launch of this noble initiative in spreading awareness through business collaboration. Since then, the Women's Council has been actively participating in all the campaigns through its members and associates."
Added Al Gurg, "Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. An estimated 4.4 million women are alive today in whom breast cancer was diagnosed within the last 15 years."
According to recent data available the highest breast cancer incidence in the UAE occurs in women aged between 45 and 54, while the highest breast cancer mortality rate occurs in women aged between 45 and 59, of which 27% are Emiratis," she said.
A video message by the co-founders of Vital Voices congratulated Dubai Chamber for marking a successful year of the programme while Dr Houriya Kazim launched and presented an enlightening video on the early detection of breast cancer with survivors of the dreaded disease talking about their personal experiences. Later, representatives from Dubai World, Al Tayer Group, General Motors, FedEx, Microsoft Gulf Regions, General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Dubai Healthcare City, Emaar Properties PJSC, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and BurJuman were presented trophies recognizing their efforts in spreading awareness about the disease.
The 'Making it Our Business' is also a tribute to the US and Middle East partnership in uniting the experts from the US, UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the fight against breast cancer, which is seen as the first partnership of its kind to spread awareness and research and to work together in the fields of education, research, training and communication between the two communities and the empowerment of women.
On its part, Dubai Chamber contributed over the year by organising training courses and workshops for staff members, besides distributing coupons for free check-ups, brochures, print material and pink ribbons, and is also participating in the Pink Walkathon event. To mark the anniversary this month, Dubai Chamber's landmark building is displaying a giant pink ribbon drawing attention to the social cause.
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About Dubai Chamber
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a private non-profit organization, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai, by creating a favorable business environment; supporting the development of business; and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
© Press Release 2008
