Sustainability on the rise: The Environment Public Authority and Ernst and Young host joint Sustainability Awareness Workshop

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Sheikha Al-Fulaij, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young, followed by the inaugural speech by Captain Ali H. Haider, Deputy Director General, EPA.

The keynote remarks were presented by Nadeem Shafi, Partner, Ernst & Young, who discussed the leading practices in corporate sustainability and case studies of global companies.

"The implications of sustainable strategies are profound for any business, in any sector and in any country. Frameworks need to be developed that allow for growth, while managing the use of natural resources, to ensure a sustainable economy is created for future generations," said Nadeem.

Joseph Martin, Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young, introduced the topic of sustainability and invited the presenters to the podium.

"Our discussions will help crystallize the concept of sustainability as a global issue that involves the economy, the environment and society. The development of any future economic models must be based around solid sustainable policy, if long-term growth is to be achieved. We are very excited to see so many business leaders coming together to acknowledge the importance of sustainability and taking the necessary steps to drive economic growth sustainably," said Joseph.

The distinguished list of speakers included Eng. Fahad Al Mukhaizeem, Kuwait Finance House, Eng. Mohammed Mansour Al Ajmi, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Hashim Hashim, Petrochemical Industries Co., Eng. Srour Al Otaibi, Ministry of Public Works, Hans Van Nues, Ernst & Young, and Tarek Al Mousa, Metal Recycling Company.
The speakers discussed how sustainability is being addressed in their respective sectors and organizations, highlighting the initiatives they have undertaken to improve the economic, social and environmental performance of their organizations.

Kuwait, throughout its history, has shown innovation, creativity and flexibility in adapting to changing times and has seen many developments in the area of sustainability over the last few years. The speakers featured pioneers in the field such as Kuwait Finance House, the first Islamic bank to publish a corporate sustainability report in accordance with global standards in 2010 and Kuwait National Petroleum Company, the first such entity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to publish a corporate sustainability report with third-party assurance on the report by Ernst & Young.