Sustainable supply chains are imperative to withstand trade disruptions, says Sheikh Nahyan

Khaleej Times

16-04-2025

In the face of increasing global trade disruptions, the need for sustainable, data-driven supply chains has never been more critical, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said on Wednesday.
During his keynote address at the International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference (IPSC 2025) held in Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan articulated the urgent need for supply chains that are not only resilient and efficient but also adaptable to rapid changes driven by technological advancements, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors. 'In this globalised world, we must have supply chains that can respond to freer trade, technological advancements, and the forces of market economies. They must be sustainable, resilient, secure, innovative, data-driven, and cost-efficient,' he said.
Organised by Blue Ocean Corporation, a leader in supply chain training and consulting, the conference brought together over 650 international delegates, including procurement experts, policymakers, and industry innovators.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the UAE's commitment to sustainability and innovation and paid tribute to the nation's leadership for their visionary contributions to infrastructure and economic resilience. He noted that procurement systems are vulnerable to unforeseen global circumstances, making it the collective responsibility of governments and businesses to ensure these systems remain beneficial for society and the planet.
The theme of IPSC 2025, 'Redefining global trade: The UAE shaping sustainable supply chains for the future,' resonated throughout the event. Dr Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, underscored the importance of adopting carbon-negative regenerative supply chain models. 'Regenerative supply chains are increasingly seen as a solution for trade disruptions such as climate change and geopolitical bottlenecks. They emphasise local procurement, reducing logistics costs and carbon emissions while supporting local economies,' he added.
Experts at IPSC 2025 discussed how digitally empowered local procurement fosters economic empowerment and innovation. For instance, Dubai's DubaiNow app has unified procurement across over 40 government entities, enhancing efficiency and transparency in public spending.
Nabil Sousou, vice president and chief procurement officer for Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia at PepsiCo, highlighted the impact of the In-Country Value (ICV) Program, which has redirected Dh145 billion into the UAE economy since 2018, showcasing the shift towards national value creation and digital excellence.
The conference also featured prominent figures such as Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team, and Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, a renowned social activist and Chairperson of the Divija Foundation. Ganguly emphasised the importance of teamwork in both sports and business, stating, 'Success isn't won alone. True leaders should lift others up.' His presence underscored the UAE's role as a leader in promoting global cooperation across various sectors.
'More than a trade hub, the UAE is a global pacesetter. The discussions at IPSC 2025 have laid the groundwork for supply chains that thrive sustainably, and we're proud to drive this momentum forward,' said Abdul Azeez, group chairman of Blue Ocean Corporation.