Fast-Tracking Sustainable Solutions: Equitable Transformation

Introduction

I’ve always believed that sustainability requires considerable team effort to create a future that works for everyone – we cannot achieve success in silo. ?

With that in mind, I’m excited to launch my first newsletter to demonstrate the collective progress we are making in fast-tracking solutions that promote environmental stewardship and equity. Every quarter, I will explore initiatives, partnerships and impact we’re driving at DP World and highlight efforts from around the world that are advancing sustainability on a global scale.

This first edition focuses on a subject that is deeply important to me. The effects of climate change are wide-ranging with vulnerable communities often bearing the greatest burden. In 世界银行 ’s Shock Waves - Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty [1] report , one-tenth of emissions are produced by the lowest income countries and yet are most heavily impacted by climate change. The disparity highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges equitably.

With each step toward building a sustainable future, transparency in progress made and understanding community-specific needs are key to finding impactful solutions. By working together, I’m confident we can restore trust and revitalise global solidarity to achieve prosperity?for?everyone.

DP World Chronicles

Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID)

I’m proud that we were the first company to pilot the Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure under the Impact Disclosure Guidance . It is a framework that enhances how we assess and report our contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Existing disclosure frameworks fail to effectively highlight the development impact of sustainable-linked finance allocation and project development. The framework addresses these challenges by promoting transparency and accountability.

I see our involvement with the task force and the development of this framework to strengthen our position as a facilitator for trade solutions. The SDID framework highlights how DP World’s commitment to vertical trade integration helps bring unforeseen, below-the-line positive development impacts and structural improvements. In India for example, we have optimised supply chain efficiency by contributing to the integration of the nation’s logistics ecosystem. We’re also facilitating the shift from road to rail, providing our customers with safer and more sustainable modes of transportation.

We are localising and tailoring our impact in specific markets to address the SDG gap in accordance with the framework, two of which have been developed for India and Somaliland. In the coming months, our ambition is to develop and publish SDID’s for some of our other operations in Africa and South America. This underscores our strong commitment to transparency and accountability, key elements for building trust and driving meaningful progress.

In Partnership with Masdar to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy systems

Our partnership with Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is having immediate material impacts as we integrate renewable energy systems across our port operations in the Middle East and Africa. While we work toward reducing our carbon footprint, we look at embracing renewable energy and battery storage to set new standards in sustainability. The World Bank estimates the MENA region has the capacity to supply at least 50% of global electricity consumption [2] with renewable energy investments in the region expected to hit USD 75.6 billion by 2030 [3]. What really resonates with me is our commitment to supporting technological advancements and infrastructure in said regions, ensuring that the transition is equitable and effective everywhere. This collaboration is a significant step towards a greener future, and there is so much we can achieve together.

Investing in Boomitra’s global carbon projects

Our collaboration with Boomitra , the groundbreaking climate tech innovator and The Earthshot Prize Winner, showcases how grassroots investment can impact the planet. This partnership is all about taking real action against climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere through regenerative agricultural practices. What’s truly inspiring is how these efforts have a direct impact on the lives of people in communities across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, India, Mexico and Uruguay. Through AI and remote sensing technologies, farmers and ranchers enhance crop yields and drive food security while securing additional income through carbon credits. This investment is a powerful step towards making a tangible difference, and I can’t wait to see how our continued efforts will help our customers reach their respective carbon reduction goals.

Empowering communities and driving socio-economic impact through trade in the Philippines

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises international trade as an engine for inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Underpinning this is the need for more sustainable, resilient supply chains to help us mitigate climate risk, better navigate disruptions and boost global economies. In partnership with Custom Content from WSJ , we demonstrate how trade transforms lives by providing employment and creating prosperity, further cultivating a skilled and educated workforce. To me, it’s clear that trade plays a dual role; enabling economic growth and being a powerful driver of equitable progress. By promoting the exchange of eco-friendly technologies and practices, and prioritising resource efficiency, we’re building economies that put environmental responsibility at the forefront. Watch the film to learn more.

Conversations Around the Cooler

Changing Regulations Driving Transformation in Supply Chain

As sustainability regulations continue to evolve, businesses are rethinking their supply chains to meet new environmental expectations. According to the World Economic Forum , reports have shown that governments and regulatory bodies are rolling out stricter policies to reduce carbon emissions, promote circular economies and increase transparency. This is pushing companies to adopt more sustainable practices including sourcing responsibly and investing in green technologies. For those that act now, there’s an opportunity to manage risk and lead the way in building a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. Explore how global business leaders are navigating the changing business landscape: Suppliers outline how they keep up with sustainability rules | World Economic Forum ( weforum.org )

Tackling Sea-Level Rise as a Global Priority

The recent United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on sea-level rise brought into sharp focus the existential threat it poses to communities around the world. What struck me most was the urgency with which leaders from across the globe are confronting this issue. Rising sea levels are no longer a distant concern – for nearly one billion people living in low-lying coastal areas, it’s a present and growing danger. The discussions were centered on building collaborative, actionable solutions, and the emphasis on supporting the most vulnerable nations, especially small island developing states, was particularly powerful. It’s clear that addressing sea-level rise will require global cooperation as well as the development of stricter policies and resilient infrastructure.

This meeting was a significant step in recognising the gravity of the crisis and the need for collective action to safeguard our future. Read on to find out more: High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise | General Assembly of the United Nations

Postcards From…

What sustainable initiatives in your businesses or communities have been most effective in driving equitable transformation? Share your experiences, I’d love to hear more!

See you in the next quarter, and don’t forget to subscribe for future editions.

“Let us strive to make faster progress towards sustainable development, shared prosperity and harmony with nature and the environment, whose abundant but not unlimited resources must be used moderately, judiciously and wisely, while taking corrective and transitional measures for the sake of present and future generations.” His Excellency Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly

[1] World Bank Group: Shock Waves - Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty

[2] The World Bank Group: Middle East & North Africa Climate Roadmap (2021-2025)

[3] The Renewable Energy Institute: $75.6 Billion Surge in Renewable Energy Investments