Latest news with #MAJRA
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session
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. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MAJRA – National CSR Fund reviews most prominent achievements and results in Q1 of 2025
These discussions took place during the second Board of Trustees meeting in 2025 chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq >> H.E. Bin Touq: 'The UAE has adopted national visions and initiatives to promote social responsibility and embed its principles. We are committed to continuing advancing our efforts to achieve sustainable impact in the country.' The Fund's achievements included launching the 'Sustainable Impact Challenge' and the 'Community Impact Medal' and establishing six national priority projects in collaboration with relevant ministries. UAE, May, 2025: The Board of Trustees of MAJRA – The National CSR Fund conducted its second meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The meeting reviewed recent progress across the Fund's projects and initiatives, assessed key performance indicators, and discussed future strategies aimed at strengthening corporate social responsibility within the private sector to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting also reviewed the Fund's key achievements and outcomes during the first quarter of 2025. This includes the launch of the Sustainable Impact Challenge (SIC), and the 'Community Impact Medal' for SMEs, and initiation of six national priority projects in collaboration with relevant ministries. MAJRA also organised a Vision and Mission workshop with over 50 participants from public and private sectors and confirmed eight 'Year of Community' initiatives, including SIC and Ramadan Souq in UAQ. Several transformational projects were also rolled out across emirates, notably the expansion of the Dubai Can Initiative in Dubai, the launch of a Youth Entrepreneurship Funding Program in collaboration with the Saud bin Saqr Foundation in RAK, and the implementation of the Green Residential Parks Initiative in UAQ. His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said, 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has launched national strategies and initiatives to strengthen social responsibility and support private sector engagement in projects that embed its core principles. At Majra, we are committed to continuing our national efforts to instil these values and promote sustainable impact in the UAE. Our goal is to support the UAE's ambition of becoming one of the world's most prosperous societies within the next decade, in alignment with the pillars of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' H.E. added, 'This meeting represents a significant milestone in reviewing the progress and achievements of the Fund during the previous phase and strengthening national collaboration to launch more initiatives and projects that will contribute to advancing the UAE's economic and social development.' H.E. reaffirmed Majra's commitment to supporting and empowering national professionals and directing social investments towards projects that achieve tangible and sustainable developmental impact. The meeting highlighted all initiatives and decisions associated with Majra's key projects, including the Sustainable Impact Challenge, efforts aligned with the 'Year of Community', and the Impact Index. During the meeting, participants reviewed recommendations, highlighted achievements and explored mechanisms to further stimulate social responsibility practices and improve societal impact among UAE-based companies, relying on a unified benchmark for evaluating quality and progress. Furthermore, they explored Fund projects linked to the fields of arts, culture, heritage, education, environment, health, and technology and their progress, with a key focus on the MAJRA Project Accelerator for Impact Economy, which will improve the capacity and financial support to launch such innovative programmes. MAJRA Project Accelerator for Impact Economy prioritises private sector engagement, encouraging collaboration with third sector institutions to develop and implement sustainable solutions in priority areas identified by federal agencies, such as education, health, environment, technology, art, culture, and heritage. This aligns with MAJRA's efforts to contribute to the development of a sustainable impact economic system by unifying the efforts of all parties concerned with aspects of social responsibility and sustainability in the country. Attendees further discussed mechanisms for establishing partnerships with relevant entities and fostering collaboration between sustainability leaders from various sectors to facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise and drive the impact economy. Furthermore, the meeting explored strategies implemented and proposed to reinforce the role of MAJRA as a federal platform for boosting and directing private sector contributions in the field of social responsibility. This can be attained through initiatives for enhancing sustainable impact, nurturing a generation equipped with future skills and encouraging community engagement among youth and all segments of society. During the meeting, participants also evaluated the developments in the Impact Index, its key objectives and scope of work and the outcomes of the Impact Lab and strategic performance indicators for the first quarter of 2025. They further explored ways to develop and promote the Social Impact Seal among targeted companies and SMEs. Sarah Shaw, CEO of MAJRA, said: 'This meeting marks a vital opportunity for us to review the achievements and progress made by the Fund since the beginning of 2025 and take necessary measures to improve performance and ensure that these initiatives align with the country's directions. At MAJRA, we are dedicated to developing integrated societal and national priority programs that represent the country's vision to create a sustainable economy, and a society based on cooperation, innovation and technology. This commitment comes in line with the framework of our tireless efforts to improve private sector participation and offer a stimulating environment for socially impactful projects. We look forward to continuing our support for the Board of Trustees and strengthening the private sector's role as a strategic partner in attaining the vision and goals of MAJRA.' During the meeting's conclusion, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to MAJRA's vision, mission and strategic objectives. They further highlighted the significance of boosting the private sector's societal role and guiding its contributions toward projects that align with the aspirations of the wise leadership and contribute to supporting the nation's comprehensive development process. The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees of Majra – The National CSR Fund, including H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees; H.E. Aisha Ahmed Yousuf, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development; H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; H.E. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation; Maryam Al Qassab, Manager of the Chairman Office at Sharjah Book Authority; Ms. Bedour Al Raqbani, Board Member of the American University of Sharjah; Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi; and Sarah Shaw, CEO of the National CSR Fund 'Majra'.
Mid East Info
07-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra – National CSR Fund hosts innovative workshop to advance UAE's sustainability vision for private sector
MAJRA – National CSR Fund hosted recently the 'National Sustainability Strategy Workshop', convening professionals from federal and local governments, private sector corporates and non-profit. to collaboratively shape a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the private sector. This marks a significant milestone in the UAE's commitment in including all stakeholders to ensure the private sector's the national sustainability strategy is consistent with the aspirations of the wise leadership. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Majra, stated: 'Sustainability is no longer a distant goal, rather, a strategic imperative driving the growth of diverse sectors. In such a scenario, the 'National Sustainability Strategy Workshop' for private sector plays an important role in uniting stakeholders to drive transformative change and establish a new 'impact economy' that integrates economic vision with elements of corporate citizenship, community responsibility, and transparency. Robust collaboration is integral to the success of such workshops as the final strategy is co-designed with the participants' collective expertise.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'The workshop helped convene leading thought leaders and change makers across various industries with an aim to develop a visionary strategy that is both inclusive and avant-garde. It primarily focused on fostering meaningful dialogues to create a practical methodology that integrates economic, environmental, social and governance priorities under a unified national vision For sustainability and community responsibility in the private sector.. Furthermore, strategic objectives and KPIs introduced as a part of the workshop will help track progress and ensure maximum impact, aligning with the objectives of federal and local entities.' The high-level, interactive workshop followed a structured agenda included, principles, vision formulation, strategic framework development, strategic initiatives and objectives, current state assessment, as well as a conclusion session focused on summarising key outcomes and outlining agreements for future actions. Moreover, participants were segregated into working groups representing diverse sectors, to facilitate robust collaboration and insight sharing. Participants were also encouraged to engage openly and contribute towards fostering a highly resilient, inclusive, transparent, as well as impactful nation.
Al Etihad
21-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
In the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Majra – National CSR Fund hosts ‘Impact Lab'
21 Mar 2025 16:57 DUBAI (ALETIHAD) 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 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.
Mid East Info
20-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MAJRA hosts leading private sector entities, presents key sustainable impact projects - Middle East Business News and Information
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, the UAE's leading federal authority on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in the private sector, hosted key private sector companies, members of Board of Trustees, and its Impact Seal Cycle 1 winners to present sustainable impact projects. The event, which featured high-level executives and decision-makers, focused on attracting contributions towards these high-impact projects, as well as accelerating private sector engagement in the UAE's sustainability agenda. This objective will be achieved by connecting investors to initiatives stemming from the Fund's Impact Retreat held in November last year. The key projects included initiatives that stood out at the Investopia 2025 summit, which emphasised sustainability and CSR policies in line with the UAE's vision to advance social impact and corporate responsibility in charitable and humanitarian works. The event also featured verified sustainable impact projects, which are a carefully curated selection of high-impact sustainability projects that have undergone rigorous assessment to ensure alignment with national priorities and investment viability. Other projects from the 'Future100,' a joint initiative between the Ministry of Economy, Government Development and the Future Office, and Majra to recognise and support 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) driving sustainability and future economic competitiveness, were also present at the gathering. H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Minister of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Majra , emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in national efforts to enhance sustainability, stating, 'As the UAE strives to achieve its sustainable development goals, the private sector has a pivotal role in supporting and implementing transformative projects.' H.E. further noted that the gathering marks a significant step towards achieving the national goal of incorporating sustainability principles into the UAE's business sector. The gathering does not only offer a platform to shed light on these impactful projects but also contributes to building partnerships that will drive long-term value for investors and leave a lasting positive impact on the society in the UAE.' The event focused on Majra's 'Impact Retreat' that was held in November 2024, during which business leaders and policymakers discussed the private sector's role in advancing national sustainability goals. The next phase of the initiative requires implementing these ideas through in-kind and financial support and strategic partnerships to implement projects of national priority verified by key relevant ministries and transform them into practical solutions that will have a lasting social and environmental impact. Notably, collaborations were established with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Protection, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Ministry of Culture. Sarah Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Majra , said: 'At Majra, we are not just encouraging sustainable thinking – we are creating tangible opportunities for the private sector to make impactful change in society. In line with national and international ESG frameworks, we are empowering companies to make quantifiable impact by matching investors with high-potential government-verified sustainability projects. The event served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation and investment in developmental projects while developing sustainability policies and initiatives, with the participation from our platinum, gold and silver Impact Seal Cycle 1 winners – companies that have proven excellence in driving CSR & sustainability, as well as prominent private sector investors.' Majra continues its advocacy of corporate social responsibility by providing businesses with verified and high-impact opportunities to contribute in a more meaningful way. The gathering was a significant step towards this vision, transforming commitments into actionable contributions that benefit the UAE's economic and environmental progress.
