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Abu Dhabi /Â WAM
The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum 2017, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG) and supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
(EAD) kicked off in the capital on Wednesday.
The two-day forum hosts a line up of keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions, and will also introduce the Natural Capital Protocol, a product of the Natural Capital Coalition, which helps to correct the fundamental misconception that there is a trade-off between social and environmental responsibility, and profitability.
To illuminate the value that businesses receive from the natural world, the Natural Capital Coalition has collaborated with the forum to help raise awareness and introduce the ‘Natural Capital Protocol Primer’ in Arabic. The primer is a key introduction to the Natural Capital Protocol and emphasises the importance of applying the protocol to include natural capital in business considerations enhancing corporate decision-making.
By following this globally standardised framework, businesses of all sizes and from all sectors can make better informed operational decisions with both business impact and dependence on natural capital at the core.
Speaking at the event, Mark Gough, Executive Director of Natural Capital Coalition, said, “2016 saw thousands of business executives from around the world endorsing the Natural Capital Protocol and exploring ways in which it can benefit their businesses. We are delighted to partner with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group to encourage adoption of the protocol in the region.”
Welcoming the engagement and collaboration with the coalition, Huda Al Houqani, Director of ADSG, said, “Whether you are an expert in sustainability or on the path to learning more, what we all understand is that sustainable practices are essential. This is not just about the environment and communities, it also makes enormous business sense. It can be cost effective, improve an organisation’s reputation and employee retention, provide risk mitigation, because of rising costs and uncertainty of supply, as well as generating fresh revenue opportunities by inspiring new business models, products and services.Therefore, there is no need for reluctance, just enthusiasm and determination to drive these changes forward.”
Over 200 senior executives and sustainability experts from across the GCC region are attending the event.