15th Annual Gala Dinner for the Environment held

The EEG (Emirates Environmental Group) recently held its 15th Annual Gala Dinner at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers to show its deep appreciation to its supporters as well as sponsors from the corporate and government sectors in the UAE.

The event held under the kind patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum – President - Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO - Emirates Group, Chairman – Dubai Airports, began with a warm welcome by EEG Chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, who paid tribute to individuals and public and private sector organizations and institutions who have invaluably contributed to promoting and advancing the agenda of sustainable development in the UAE and the wider Arab region.

A total of 53 companies and government entities were honored for their continued support to EEG. Each of them received a specially-designed and individually marked glass crystal as a token of EEG's appreciation.

"The work that we jointly undertake is a labor of love. Every effort made to protect the environment, establish a sustainable business, assume corporate responsibility is driven by humanity's most basic instinct; the need to give generously and passionately," said Mrs. Al Marashi.

The gala dinner attendees were also given a brief overview of EEG's achievements in 2011. This included outreach to 132,050 students through the Educational Programs; a marked increase in the amounts of collected recyclables in the Waste Management Programs: 99.7% increase in the TetraPak Container Collection as compared to 2010; a total of 20,425 kg of Aluminum Cans; 1,134,675 kg of Paper; 7,079 pieces of Toner; 97,210 kg of Plastic; 274,151 kg of Glass; 47, 058 pieces of Batteries; and 1,103 pieces of Mobile Phones were collected; and a record breaking 27,000 volunteers for the CleanUp UAE.

Meanwnhile, Dr. Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Executive Director of the Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance, delivered a Keynote Speech in line with the celebration of the 'International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.'

"The MENA Region and the GCC in particular should imperatively focus on investing in renewable energy, clean technology and R&D (research and development). This will enable a new production sector to emerge and more importantly create more opportunities and jobs. The MENA region has an enormous potential in solar, wind and other renewable resources," he said.

"Unfortunately, no country in our region has a clear policy framework comparable to those in developed markets. Currently a large proportion in the expected clean energy capacity will be commissioned by the combination of auctions and tenders to reach renewable energy targets. But targets are not the substitute for a strategy in the framework for public and private action," he added.

Dr. Saidi further said: "policy remains the single most important driver for clean energy investments. International experts suggest that the critical factors for building the new industry sector include the development of a comprehensive policy to support the clean energy sector."

Dr. Saidi also called on the top executives present at the Gala Dinner to work with Region's governments to issue guideline for better ESG (environmental corporate social responsibility and corporate governance) and the implementation of policy framework to encourage the adoption of clean energy and clean technology as well as to invaluably support organisations such as the EEG.

The Jumeirah Emirates Towers provided the perfect atmosphere for this grand event. Held in the hotel's magnificent Boulevard Terrace, guests were treated to a beautiful view of Dubai, while interacting with friends and colleagues.

Every year, the Annual Gala Dinner creates a unique opportunity for EEG members and supporters to network with like-minded individuals and share experiences in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a wide range of international cuisine.

The EEG also conferred honorary membership to four distinguished individuals: Dr. Nasser Saidi, chief economist of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Executive Director of the Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance; Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City; Engr. Ali Qasim, Director of Natural Resources Institure of the Fujairah Municipality; Dr. Badreya Al Dhaheri, Director of Community Services of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.

EEG's 15th Annual Gala Dinner was a resounding success, celebrating everyone who has supported EEG's activities, while empahsizing the importance of working towards a sustainable environment. To that end, EEG sponsored by Farnek Avireal has collaborated with MyClimate, a Swiss climate protection organization, to offset 11.36 tonnes of CO2 making this a Climate Neutral Event.