Latest news with #LamyaFawwaz
Mid East Info
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim and Masdar Youth 4 Sustainability Partnership Empowers Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders in the UAE
Al-Futtaim and Masdar jointly provided real-world insights into sustainability practices being undertaken across sectors including retail, mobility and real estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates;August 2025: Al-Futtaim, a diversified and progressive privately held regional business headquartered in Dubai, and Masdar's Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative today announced the successful completion of their six-month collaborative programme. Under the initiative, Al-Futtaim co-hosted three impactful events to provide around 100 Y4S young cohorts with unique insights into real-world sustainability practices to solve challenges across retail, mobility and real estate sectors. The partnership aimed to advance educational opportunities and practical experiences for young people, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability goals and ambitions across various sectors. The programme kicked off with an immersive session hosted by IKEA at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where participants gained firsthand knowledge of IKEA's sustainability strategy, including a comprehensive store tour highlighting green initiatives, waste management, and EV charging infrastructure. The second event, held at the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Training Centre in Dubai, focused on the future of sustainable transportation. Hosted by Al-Futtaim Automotive, the session provided an in-depth look at the e-mobility expertise within Al-Futtaim, an introduction to the EV Training Centre and IMI Level Safety Awareness training. The closing session, held at Dubai Festival City Mall, focused on the integration of sustainability in the real estate sector and explored forward-thinking strategies for energy efficiency, waste management, as well as the role of smart technologies in shaping future cities. Commenting on the collaboration, Ellora-Julie Parekh, Chief Sustainability Officer at Al-Futtaim, said: 'Our partnership with Masdar's Y4S programme has been an incredibly rewarding journey, reinforcing Al-Futtaim's commitment to nurturing future leaders and raising awareness around sustainable practices. Witnessing the enthusiasm and innovative thinking of these young individuals has been truly inspiring. This collaboration underscores our belief in the power of education and practical exposure to build a more sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.' Participants also enjoyed a site walk in the Dubai festival City Mall, where they experienced the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in action—an ongoing initiative that aligns with Al-Futtaim's sustainability strategic priority on creating a circular economy through our supply chain. This hands-on experience demonstrated how RVMs are supporting recycling efforts, contributing to waste reduction and advancing sustainability goals within the real estate sector. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar said: 'The Y4S programme continues to provide participants with meaningful, real-world exposure to sustainability practices across a range of industries. These sessions have deepened their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, while equipping them with the practical skills needed for future careers. We're pleased to work with partners like Al-Futtaim, whose involvement supports our shared goal of empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders.' Throughout the session, attendees participated in interactive challenges including an Eco-Team Challenge and a Sustainability Quiz, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability while promoting teamwork and innovative thinking. A participant shared their positive experience: 'I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable opportunity provided by both Al-Futtaim and Masdar through this programme. It has been truly inspiring to see sustainability in action across diverse industries, from waste management at IKEA to groundbreaking EV technology and sustainability in real estate. This experience has significantly deepened my understanding and fuelled my passion for contributing to a sustainable future.' This collaboration is part of Al-Futtaim's broader commitment to sustainability, encompassing initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, improving operational efficiencies, and creating a more sustainable future. It also underscores both Al-Futtaim's and Masdar's shared dedication to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future. Y4S provides training and mentorship programmes, enabling students and young professionals to gain the necessary skills to become future sustainability leaders, while also providing the opportunity to participate across a variety of global engagements and forums. By providing essential training, knowledge and platforms, Y4S supports participants to take their sustainability development forward and shape their careers. About Al-Futtaim: Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions. Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more. With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders—supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
WiSER calls for accelerated action to invest in female entrepreneurs driving the global sustainable economy
WiSER's new White Paper highlights importance of investing in female entrepreneurs driving the global sustainable economy, emphasizing gender-focused financing and inclusive policies AI and mentorship programs must be expanded to empower female entrepreneurs in climate sector Policy changes and targeted investments are critical for equitable sustainable solutions for women in the Global South Abu Dhabi, UAE – Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - a global platform founded by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize to champion women as leaders of sustainable change - today launched its latest White Paper, Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy. Its release coincides with International Women's Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, which this year is themed 'Accelerate Action' to emphasize the importance of taking swift action to achieve gender equity. WiSER's White Paper underscores the vital role of female entrepreneurs in advancing climate solutions and offers key recommendations to close gender gaps in finance, scalability, AI, integration, mentorship and accessibility – especially for women in the Global South. It builds on insights gathered during the 2025 WiSER Annual Forum at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brought together over 100 global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the transformative role of women in advancing the global sustainability agenda. With the theme, 'Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy,' the Forum emphasized the need to empower female entrepreneurs as catalysts for climate innovation and sustainable development. The report outlines five key recommendations to empower female entrepreneurs in climate action by enhancing access to finance, scalability, AI enablement, networks, and accessibility, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed and scale their impact: Increase Gender-Focused Investment: Expand funding and financial literacy programs to support female-led climate ventures, with a focus on gender-lens financing and microloans for adaptations projects. Scale Women-Led Climate Ventures: Streamline policies, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships to help female entrepreneurs expand their solutions. Harness AI and Digital Tools: Improve AI literacy and access to AI-driven technologies to support business growth and market entry. Strengthen Mentorship and Networking: Establish mentorship programs and cross-sector collaborations to provide women with the resources to succeed. Empower Women in the Global South: Address legal and financial barriers, invest in STEM education and improve access to markets and resources. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, said: 'This White Paper demonstrates the transformative power of female entrepreneurs in driving the global sustainable economy. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports female-led innovation, we can unlock new economic opportunities, accelerate sustainable development, and ensure female entrepreneurs have the tools and investment they need to lead in shaping a more resilience and prosperous future.' WiSER remains committed to empowering women as sustainability leaders through its pioneering initiatives, including the WiSER Pioneers program and WiSER Cares. The findings of this report will help shape future initiatives, ensuring that female entrepreneurs receive the recognition, resources and opportunities needed to lead global climate action. To download the white paper, click here. -Ends- About Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WISER) Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) is a global platform that champions women as leaders of sustainable change. Since 2015, WiSER has focused on the core pillars of education, engagement and empowerment, and is born of the UAE leadership's longstanding and continuing commitment to the role of women; a commitment traced directly back to the vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned to the UAE's Net Zero goals, WiSER was also rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change About the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges. A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide. Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs. Through its 128 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all. About Masdar Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy leader, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transformation and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of 51 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future. Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. Contacts: For Masdar media inquiries, please contact: press@ For more information please visit: and connect: and
