Latest news with #ImpactLab
Mid East Info
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session, highlighting key climate action and sustainability advancements in UAE
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), hosted an interactive session as part of its ongoing 'Impact Lab' initiative to explore notable developments within the domains of climate action and sustainability in the UAE. The event reflects Majra's long-standing vision to instil the values of social responsibility as well as environmental and social governance within the nation's private sector. The session, titled 'Smart Environments and Thriving Communities: Best Practices in Climate Resilience and Sustainability', convened thought leaders, innovators, and representatives from leading government and private institutions across critical sectors like agriculture, food, water systems, environmental technology, and climate innovation, among others. It served as a dynamic platform to exchange key insights on best practices for addressing climate change, environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development. During the session, H.E. Eng Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and CEO of AI and Innovation at MOCCAE, underscored the critical role of private-public partnerships and impactful policymaking in nurturing a prosperous future for all Emiratis. Her Excellency further stated: 'This strategic collaboration with Majra symbolises a critical milestone in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food and environmental security. Bolstered by the event's success, we look forward to forging similar partnerships and contributing to more such initiatives, which aim to preserve ecosystems and achieve sustainable development.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, highlighted Majra's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and support the implementation of ESG principles in the private sector, aligning with the 'Green Agenda 2030' vision, which aims to advance sustainable development goals. She also remarked : 'At Majra, we remain steadfast in our efforts to address various climate change challenges by developing green solutions and strategies that promote sustainability across priority sectors, in cooperation with the private sector. In line with this, we strive to strengthen cross-sectors collaboration within the nation. We also aim to launch highly targeted national priority initiatives which can usher in a qualitative shift in the way companies operate, expediting progress in the field of environmental sustainability.' The event featured several specialised roundtable discussions on four critical themes, including 'Environmental Governance and Compliance,' 'Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation,' 'Nature, Biodiversity, and Data,' and 'Community-Based Ecotourism'. Participants examined both the progress and challenges in these areas, showcased successful strategies, and identified key enablers and partnerships that have supported impactful outcomes. The goal was to foster a shared understanding of scalable initiatives that can strengthen climate resilience across communities in the UAE. Notable companies, such as Silal – UAE's leading Agri-Tech Food company, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), Khalifa University, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Dnata, Camelicious – Emirates Camel Milk Factory, Sxill, Agthia Group, Novel Foods, DP World, Soma Mater, and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed, participated in these discussions. The 'Impact Lab' served as a dynamic platform for sharing expertise and aligning public and private sector efforts in climate action and sustainable development, further strengthening the UAE's leadership in environmental governance. It concluded with the development of a series of strategies, promoting effective communication between relevant stakeholders, achieving the shared vision for a safe community based on sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
Web Release
23-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session, highlighting key climate action and sustainability advancements in UAE
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), hosted an interactive session as part of its ongoing 'Impact Lab' initiative to explore notable developments within the domains of climate action and sustainability in the UAE. The event reflects Majra's long-standing vision to instil the values ??of social responsibility as well as environmental and social governance within the nation's private sector. The session, titled 'Smart Environments and Thriving Communities: Best Practices in Climate Resilience and Sustainability', convened thought leaders, innovators, and representatives from leading government and private institutions across critical sectors like agriculture, food, water systems, environmental technology, and climate innovation, among others. It served as a dynamic platform to exchange key insights on best practices for addressing climate change, environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development. During the session, H.E. Eng Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and CEO of AI and Innovation at MOCCAE, underscored the critical role of private-public partnerships and impactful policymaking in nurturing a prosperous future for all Emiratis. Her Excellency further stated: 'This strategic collaboration with Majra symbolises a critical milestone in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food and environmental security. Bolstered by the event's success, we look forward to forging similar partnerships and contributing to more such initiatives, which aim to preserve ecosystems and achieve sustainable development.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, highlighted Majra's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and support the implementation of ESG principles in the private sector, aligning with the 'Green Agenda 2030' vision, which aims to advance sustainable development goals. She also remarked: 'At Majra, we remain steadfast in our efforts to address various climate change challenges by developing green solutions and strategies that promote sustainability across priority sectors, in cooperation with the private sector. In line with this, we strive to strengthen cross-sectors collaboration within the nation. We also aim to launch highly targeted national priority initiatives which can usher in a qualitative shift in the way companies operate, expediting progress in the field of environmental sustainability.' The event featured several specialised roundtable discussions on four critical themes, including 'Environmental Governance and Compliance,' 'Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation,' 'Nature, Biodiversity, and Data,' and 'Community-Based Ecotourism'. Participants examined both the progress and challenges in these areas, showcased successful strategies, and identified key enablers and partnerships that have supported impactful outcomes. The goal was to foster a shared understanding of scalable initiatives that can strengthen climate resilience across communities in the UAE. Notable companies, such as Silal – UAE's leading Agri-Tech Food company, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), Khalifa University, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Dnata, Camelicious – Emirates Camel Milk Factory, Sxill, Agthia Group, Novel Foods, DP World, Soma Mater, and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed, participated in these discussions. The 'Impact Lab' served as a dynamic platform for sharing expertise and aligning public and private sector efforts in climate action and sustainable development, further strengthening the UAE's leadership in environmental governance. It concluded with the development of a series of strategies, promoting effective communication between relevant stakeholders, achieving the shared vision for a safe community based on sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Unlocking AI's Potential for Nonprofits With Lenovo and Tech to the Rescue
Jean Ekwa, Strategic Communications & PR Lead, Tech To The Rescue The power of AI is shaping industries, revolutionizing business, and transforming how we solve complex challenges. But while corporations and governments are investing heavily in AI innovation, many nonprofits risk being left behind—lacking the resources, expertise, or infrastructure to harness AI for impact. How can technology leaders support these organizations? In a recent Tech for Good Talks podcast, Alice Damasceno, Director of Corporate Citizenship and ESG Communications for Lenovo Latin America, sat down in São Paulo with Ana Camerano from Tech To The Rescue (TTTR), a global nonprofit foundation that connects ambitious nonprofits with technology companies willing to support them with pro-bono solutions. They discussed Lenovo's vision for AI-driven impact, the company's approach to corporate citizenship, and how the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is giving nonprofits the tools and resources they need to integrate AI. A partnership turning innovation into action Lenovo and TTTR share a common belief: AI should be accessible and inclusive. That's why Lenovo joined TTTR's AI for Changemakers Accelerator, an initiative backed by other major tech players. The accelerator matches nonprofits with skilled volunteer technologists who help them design and implement AI solutions tailored to their missions. The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab takes this support a step further—equipping ten selected nonprofits with cutting-edge Lenovo hardware, AI tools, and expert guidance to help them turn their AI aspirations into real-world impact. For Lenovo, this collaboration is part of a broader vision to make AI a force for inclusion rather than a driver of inequality. As Alice Damasceno explained in the podcast, Lenovo sees its role in social impact not just as a donor but as a strategic enabler—ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in ethical and equitable ways. How AI drives social change For Lenovo, corporate citizenship is more than philanthropy—it is about leveraging technology to serve people and the planet. Alice Damasceno explains that Lenovo's approach is centered on Smarter Technology for All, ensuring that innovation advances business while addressing critical social and environmental challenges. During the conversation, Damasceno shared inspiring real-world examples of how Lenovo is applying AI to solve pressing issues: Indigenous Language PreservationAI-Powered Assistive TechnologyDisaster Relief TechnologyAI for Accessibility These examples highlight a fundamental shift in how corporations approach social impact—not just through financial contributions but through strategic, tech-driven interventions that create sustainable change. The role of corporate citizenship in a changing world Reflecting on her career in social impact, Alice Damasceno emphasized the growing role of technology companies in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future. Corporate citizenship, she explains, is not an afterthought but an integral part of how Lenovo operates—embedding ESG principles, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement into its core business strategy. 'The world's challenges are complex, but technology can be part of the solution,' says Damasceno. 'By engaging employees, partnering with nonprofits, and investing in AI-driven impact projects, we are creating a model where businesses can thrive while driving meaningful change.' The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab helps ensure that AI innovation doesn't remain a privilege of corporations—it becomes a tool for global problem-solving, available to those who need it most. Looking ahead: how the tech industry can respond As AI and emerging technologies continue to evolve, the collaboration between corporations, nonprofits, and impact-driven organizations will be critical in ensuring that these innovations benefit society. This is a long-term commitment for Lenovo—part of its broader Smarter AI for All strategy, ensuring that AI innovation serves people, not just profits. For Tech To The Rescue, this partnership is a blueprint for how corporations and nonprofits can collaborate to make AI a true tool for social transformation. 'If we don't make AI accessible to mission-driven organizations, we risk deepening the digital divide,' said Damasceno in the podcast. 'But when we give nonprofits the right tools, knowledge, and partners, they can solve problems in ways we never imagined.' The real question isn't whether nonprofits should use AI—the question is whether the tech industry will step up to ensure they can. Watch the full conversation here Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Lenovo
Mid East Info
24-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra– National CSR Fund successfully hosts ‘Impact Lab', unites influential leaders to explore CSR and sustainability opportunities and enablers in UAE
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq: The UAE is committed to embedding CSR culture and principles within the national economic framework. The 'Impact Lab' focused on encouraging the private sector to adopt global best practices across the domains of CSR and sustainability The event was attended by representatives from several government agencies, and private sector companies, as well as leading experts from around the nation MAJRA – National CSR Fund successfully hosted the 'Impact Lab,' a workshop that brought together influential leaders from public, private, and other sectors to explore CSR and sustainability opportunities and enablers in the private sector across the UAE. Held at the Dubai Future Accelerators, the workshop provided a dynamic platform for shaping business strategies to integrate CSR and sustainability into the business landscape. The 'Impact Lab' featured keynote addresses from distinguished figures, including H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees; and Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra. In his address, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to embedding CSR and sustainability culture and principles within the national economic framework, highlighting the significance of responsible business practices as a strategic necessity for ensuring long-term resilience of the national economy. H.E. added: 'The UAE is at the forefront of CSR and sustainability efforts as business leaders are empowered and incentivised to contribute to these efforts, thereby securing the future of their industries and driving sustainable social and economic development across the UAE.' The 'Impact Lab' served as a strategic forum for co-designing and developing an initial comprehensive enablers framework (both financial and non-financial) to encourage private sector companies to adopt CSR and sustainability global best practices. Discussions during the workshop focused on a wide range of topics such as creating a robust and effective financial and non-financial opportunity and enablers package for CSR and sustainability-driven businesses. By co-designing an initial criterion for companies to qualify for CSR and sustainability in enablers and crafting a strategic roadmap for the implementation of a robust enablers framework in line with the UAE's CSR and sustainability goals. During the event, Sarah Shaw underscored the significance of collaboration between government policy makers, industry leaders, and active change agents in shaping a bright future that prioritises CSR and sustainability. She added: 'CSR and sustainability are not merely a challenge; they are a significant opportunity for positive impact. By embracing responsible growth, we are not just building a resilient business but are collectively shaping the future history of the UAE.' The 'Impact Lab' saw active participation from leading government entities such as Ministry of Community Empowerment, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, Ministry of Economy, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Minister of Climate Change & Environment and Minister of Finance in addition to leading private sector companies, industry experts, all working together to define actionable steps that will fortify the UAE's position as a global leader in CSR and sustainable business practices. As Majra continues to lead several CSR and sustainability initiatives, the insights and outcomes from the 'Impact Lab' will be instrumental in shaping future policies and incentives/enablers structures that foster responsible corporate behaviour and the future impact-based economy of the UAE.
Zawya
23-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Majra– National CSR Fund successfully hosts ‘Impact Lab'
In the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri H.E. Abdulla bin Touq: The UAE is committed to embedding CSR culture and principles within the national economic framework The 'Impact Lab' focused on encouraging the private sector to adopt global best practices across the domains of CSR and sustainability The event was attended by representatives from several government agencies, and private sector companies, as well as leading experts from around the nation UAE: MAJRA – National CSR Fund successfully hosted the 'Impact Lab,' a workshop that brought together influential leaders from public, private, and other sectors to explore CSR and sustainability opportunities and enablers in the private sector across the UAE. Held at the Dubai Future Accelerators, the workshop provided a dynamic platform for shaping business strategies to integrate CSR and sustainability into the business landscape. The 'Impact Lab' featured keynote addresses from distinguished figures, including H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees; and Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra. In his address, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to embedding CSR and sustainability culture and principles within the national economic framework, highlighting the significance of responsible business practices as a strategic necessity for ensuring long-term resilience of the national economy. H.E. added: 'The UAE is at the forefront of CSR and sustainability efforts as business leaders are empowered and incentivised to contribute to these efforts, thereby securing the future of their industries and driving sustainable social and economic development across the UAE.' The 'Impact Lab' served as a strategic forum for co-designing and developing an initial comprehensive enablers framework (both financial and non-financial) to encourage private sector companies to adopt CSR and sustainability global best practices. Discussions during the workshop focused on a wide range of topics such as creating a robust and effective financial and non-financial opportunity and enablers package for CSR and sustainability-driven businesses. By co-designing an initial criterion for companies to qualify for CSR and sustainability in enablers and crafting a strategic roadmap for the implementation of a robust enablers framework in line with the UAE's CSR and sustainability goals. During the event, Sarah Shaw underscored the significance of collaboration between government policy makers, industry leaders, and active change agents in shaping a bright future that prioritises CSR and sustainability. She added: 'CSR and sustainability are not merely a challenge; they are a significant opportunity for positive impact. By embracing responsible growth, we are not just building a resilient business but are collectively shaping the future history of the UAE.' The 'Impact Lab' saw active participation from leading government entities such as Ministry of Community Empowerment, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, Ministry of Economy, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Minister of Climate Change & Environment and Minister of Finance in addition to leading private sector companies, industry experts, all working together to define actionable steps that will fortify the UAE's position as a global leader in CSR and sustainable business practices. As Majra continues to lead several CSR and sustainability initiatives, the insights and outcomes from the 'Impact Lab' will be instrumental in shaping future policies and incentives/enablers structures that foster responsible corporate behaviour and the future impact-based economy of the UAE. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
