Latest news with #CharteredInstituteofProcurement&Supply
Mid East Info
29-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Space Agency sets global standard with third CIPS Ethics Kitemark award - Middle East Business News and Information
First space agency globally to achieve the prestigious ethical procurement certification The UAE Space Agency has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Ethics Kitemark for the third consecutive year, maintaining its distinction as the world's first space agency to receive this international honour. The CIPS Ethics Kitemark is a globally respected standard that recognises organisations and individuals committed to upholding the highest principles of ethical behaviour and integrity in procurement and supply chain management. To be awarded the Kitemark, organisations must demonstrate that staff have completed annual ethics training and that CIPS' globally recognised code of ethics has been adopted and embedded into procurement policies and procedures. This certification reflects the UAE Space Agency's strategic commitment to transparency, good governance and global best practice as it continues to grow its role as a leader in space exploration and scientific innovation. By aligning procurement activities with international standards, the Agency is ensuring that its supplier partnerships are fair, accountable and sustainable, and that public trust is maintained in every aspect of its operations. Commenting on the achievement, Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA, said: 'Ethical procurement is the foundation of public trust and long-term organisational success. The UAE Space Agency's commitment to ethics, transparency, and professionalism sets a powerful example for both the public sector and the global space community. We are proud to recognise the Agency's leadership with the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for a third consecutive year.' The Ethics Kitemark also contributes to building internal capability, helping organisations identify and mitigate risk, prevent unethical conduct, and improve procurement outcomes. It is increasingly seen as a mark of assurance for stakeholders, partners, and international collaborators. In addition to its focus on ethical practice, the UAE Space Agency has invested in developing the skills and competencies of its procurement team. This includes professional development pathways such as the MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification, a globally recognised standard of procurement excellence. Maha Al Mansoori, Director of the Support Services Department at the UAE Space Agency, said: 'As we pursue ambitious goals in science, technology and space exploration, we recognise that integrity must remain central to how we operate. Achieving the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for the third year running is not only a testament to our team's dedication, but also a reflection of our commitment to responsible procurement that aligns with the values of the UAE Government. We are proud to lead the way for ethical sourcing in the space sector globally.'
Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Women at the forefront: CIPS MENA 2025 celebrates procurement leaders shaping the future
As Saudi Arabia continues its national agenda to increase female representation in senior leadership, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is spotlighting the pivotal role of women in procurement at its largest-ever MENA Conference & Awards, that took place in Riyadh earlier this week. With more than 260 award submissions, over 40 speakers, and record-breaking registrations, this year's event highlighted how women are not only excelling in procurement, but reshaping it. According to CIPS' latest Global Supply Chain and Procurement Report, 39% of procurement professionals globally are now women, with numbers steadily rising across senior roles. In the Middle East, this figure is even more promising in progressive sectors such as energy and public infrastructure, where national agendas are helping close the leadership gap. Themed around resilience, digital transformation and leadership, the 2025 conference hosted a number of prominent female voices driving procurement excellence across the region. These included Nouf Almana, Procurement Excellence Director at Diriyah Company, who said: 'Procurement is a strategic force that can influence business far beyond cost. As women rise through the profession, we're bringing fresh perspectives to sustainability, innovation, and ethical sourcing. The more we advocate, the more we inspire the next generation of leaders.' Also speaking at the conference was Rachael Legg, Fractional Procurement Executive and Former CPO at Rolls-Royce and Johnson Matthey, and a Board of Trustees member at CIPS. She commented: 'Women in procurement are making waves globally, and it's encouraging to see so many rising to leadership positions. At CIPS, we're proud to support that growth – especially in regions like Saudi Arabia where gender diversity is rapidly advancing at the highest levels. Our focus now must be on building leadership pipelines that take CPOs all the way to CEO.' With the Saudi Vision 2030 programme actively championing women in senior positions, and procurement increasingly recognised as a key strategic driver, CIPS sees this as a vital moment to accelerate change. The 2025 conference will feature several panels and sessions led by female executives, offering insights on innovation, resilience, and leadership in procurement. Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS MENA, added: This isn't just a celebration of the profession; it's a call to action. The annual conference is an opportunity to learn from trailblazing women who are elevating procurement across the region – and to ensure others are empowered to follow their path.' The Excellence in Procurement Awards, that took place alongside the conference, also honoured outstanding achievements across 16 categories, including Leader of the Year and Young Talent, with a strong showing of female finalists and judges.
Mid East Info
07-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
CIPS Hosts Groundbreaking CPO Roundtable in Qatar: Shaping Procurement Excellence for National Development
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) convened Qatar's most senior procurement and supply chain leaders at The Ned in Doha yesterday for the inaugural Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) Roundtable. This exclusive forum, part of a quarterly series, focused on the pivotal role of procurement in advancing Qatar's National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) and driving innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation. The event welcomed leaders from key public and private sector organisations, underscoring the critical contribution of procurement and supply chain management to achieving Qatar's ambitious national objectives, including GDP growth, sustainability and digital innovation. The CPO Roundtable opened with remarks from Ben Farrell MBE, Chief Executive Officer of CIPS, who emphasised the transformative role of procurement in 2025 and beyond: 'Procurement leaders today are navigating a landscape defined by rapid digitalisation, heightened sustainability expectations and increasing economic pressures. Events like yesterday's are vital to equip leaders with the insights, tools and networks they need to drive meaningful impact,' said Farrell. Farrell highlighted the unique opportunity Qatar's procurement professionals have to lead on the global stage, adding: 'Through collaboration and innovation, procurement can not only meet the demands of today but shape a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come. This roundtable is an important step in building a stronger, more connected community of leaders committed to excellence. Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Executive Director – Procurement at Qatar Foundation, praised the event's strategic focus, saying: 'The roundtable provided a unique platform to discuss critical challenges and identify actionable solutions. The focus on sustainability, digital innovation and capacity building aligns perfectly with Qatar's developmental priorities.' Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS, stressed the importance of such gatherings in advancing the profession. 'The procurement profession in 2025 is more dynamic than ever before. The CPO Roundtable is designed to bring together senior leaders to address the challenges and opportunities ahead – whether it's harnessing digital tools, embedding ethical practices or creating a more inclusive supply chain ecosystem,' he said. ' This event underscores our commitment to supporting Qatar's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy while promoting innovation and efficiency.' The roundtable featured a detailed agenda focusing on the implications of NDS3 for procurement and supply chain professionals. Key sessions included: NDS3 implications for procurement & supply: Discussions on how procurement excellence can support Qatar's ambitious economic and sustainability targets, including a 25% reduction in GHG emissions and the adoption of circular economy practices. Roundtable discussion on priority areas: Delegates shared insights and best practices on enhancing digital integration, driving sustainable procurement and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. Action planning: The forum concluded with actionable strategies to establish working groups and develop measurable initiatives aligned with NDS3 goals. 'The CPO Roundtable in Doha proved that Qatar's procurement and supply chain leaders are ready to power the Third National Development Strategy from vision to reality. Their unified commitment and strategic expertise will be a driving force behind Qatar's ambitious national transformation,' said Adil Mohammed, Trustee, CIPS Global Board. Cory Thwaites, SEVP at Qatar National Bank, commented on attending: 'Procurement is no longer just about cost management – it's a driver of innovation, risk mitigation, and sustainability. The CIPS CPO Roundtable is an essential platform to share insights and shape the future of our profession. Embracing digital transformation and advanced technologies is critical to making agile, data-driven decisions, but the human element remains vital. High-performing teams and cross-functional collaboration are key to success.' Thwaites added: 'As procurement leaders, we have a responsibility to drive ESG initiatives and align strategies with sustainability goals. By leading with purpose and vision, we can create long-term value for our organisations, society and the planet.' As procurement continues to evolve, CPOs are uniquely positioned to drive organisational success through innovation and strategic collaboration. In 2025, procurement leaders are tasked with leveraging advanced data analytics, embracing digital tools and embedding sustainability into every aspect of their operations. This is the first CPO Roundtable with more planned later in the year. The initiative aims to position Qatar as a leader in procurement excellence in the MENA region, contributing to the realisation of its national vision. About CIPS: We are CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. A global membership organisation driving positive change across our profession. We are the voice and standard, defining and amplifying best practice across all our worlds. As the awarding body for the profession, we lead in education and training. Helping professionals advance their ambition. We provide insights, information, and tools. Enabling members to develop their own best practice. We help build capability within organisations. Interrogating, troubleshooting, and training. Through all our work, we build a community. A global network of professionals powering procurement and supply so our societies can thrive.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CIPS hosts groundbreaking CPO Roundtable in Qatar
Exclusive forum elevates procurement and supply chain excellence in Qatar Dubai, UAE: The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) convened Qatar's most senior procurement and supply chain leaders at The Ned in Doha yesterday for the inaugural Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) Roundtable. This exclusive forum, part of a quarterly series, focused on the pivotal role of procurement in advancing Qatar's National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) and driving innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation. The event welcomed leaders from key public and private sector organisations, underscoring the critical contribution of procurement and supply chain management to achieving Qatar's ambitious national objectives, including GDP growth, sustainability and digital innovation. The CPO Roundtable opened with remarks from Ben Farrell MBE, Chief Executive Officer of CIPS, who emphasised the transformative role of procurement in 2025 and beyond: "Procurement leaders today are navigating a landscape defined by rapid digitalisation, heightened sustainability expectations and increasing economic pressures. Events like yesterday's are vital to equip leaders with the insights, tools and networks they need to drive meaningful impact," said Farrell. Farrell highlighted the unique opportunity Qatar's procurement professionals have to lead on the global stage, adding: "Through collaboration and innovation, procurement can not only meet the demands of today but shape a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come. This roundtable is an important step in building a stronger, more connected community of leaders committed to excellence. Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Executive Director - Procurement at Qatar Foundation, praised the event's strategic focus, saying: "The roundtable provided a unique platform to discuss critical challenges and identify actionable solutions. The focus on sustainability, digital innovation and capacity building aligns perfectly with Qatar's developmental priorities." Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS, stressed the importance of such gatherings in advancing the profession. "The procurement profession in 2025 is more dynamic than ever before. The CPO Roundtable is designed to bring together senior leaders to address the challenges and opportunities ahead - whether it's harnessing digital tools, embedding ethical practices or creating a more inclusive supply chain ecosystem," he said. " This event underscores our commitment to supporting Qatar's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy while promoting innovation and efficiency." The roundtable featured a detailed agenda focusing on the implications of NDS3 for procurement and supply chain professionals. Key sessions included: NDS3 implications for procurement & supply: Discussions on how procurement excellence can support Qatar's ambitious economic and sustainability targets, including a 25% reduction in GHG emissions and the adoption of circular economy practices. Roundtable discussion on priority areas: Delegates shared insights and best practices on enhancing digital integration, driving sustainable procurement and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. Action planning: The forum concluded with actionable strategies to establish working groups and develop measurable initiatives aligned with NDS3 goals. "The CPO Roundtable in Doha proved that Qatar's procurement and supply chain leaders are ready to power the Third National Development Strategy from vision to reality. Their unified commitment and strategic expertise will be a driving force behind Qatar's ambitious national transformation,' said Adil Mohammed, Trustee, CIPS Global Board. Cory Thwaites, SEVP at Qatar National Bank, commented on attending: 'Procurement is no longer just about cost management - it's a driver of innovation, risk mitigation, and sustainability. The CIPS CPO Roundtable is an essential platform to share insights and shape the future of our profession. Embracing digital transformation and advanced technologies is critical to making agile, data-driven decisions, but the human element remains vital. High-performing teams and cross-functional collaboration are key to success.' Thwaites added: 'As procurement leaders, we have a responsibility to drive ESG initiatives and align strategies with sustainability goals. By leading with purpose and vision, we can create long-term value for our organisations, society and the planet." As procurement continues to evolve, CPOs are uniquely positioned to drive organisational success through innovation and strategic collaboration. In 2025, procurement leaders are tasked with leveraging advanced data analytics, embracing digital tools and embedding sustainability into every aspect of their operations. This is the first CPO Roundtable with more planned later in the year. The initiative aims to position Qatar as a leader in procurement excellence in the MENA region, contributing to the realisation of its national vision. For more information about CIPS MENA, visit -Ends- About CIPS We are CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. A global membership organisation driving positive change across our profession. We are the voice and standard, defining and amplifying best practice across all our worlds. As the awarding body for the profession, we lead in education and training. Helping professionals advance their ambition. We provide insights, information, and tools. Enabling members to develop their own best practice. We help build capability within organisations. Interrogating, troubleshooting, and training. Through all our work, we build a community. A global network of professionals powering procurement and supply so our societies can thrive. Find out more at:
