EEG holds carbon neutral gala dinner

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The Gala Dinner was a meaningful gesture of gratitude and praise to organizations that have joined and supported EEG despite the bleak economic outlook worldwide. EEG’s environmental programs and sustainability campaigns have never taken a back seat and continue to flourish due to the proactive engagement of EEG corporate members. The Gala Dinner was a fitting tribute to all of its friends, supporters and well-wishers in the corporate sector.

EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi opened the event. She said:

‘Although we are indeed faced by multiple challenges, we believe that this is not an excuse not to hold one night to recognize and pay tribute to all the men and women who have made it possible for EEG to reach this far.’

Mrs. Al Marashi gave a report on EEG’s accomplishments of the past year. She said, 2008 was a benchmark year for EEG highlighted by its launch of the UN Global Compact GCC States local network, the 1st Arabia CSR Awards, meaningful CSR training and workshops, the well attended Clean Up UAE among other successful programs. EEG according to Mrs. Al Marashi also grew in numbers while offering greater opportunities for community participation.

She then outlined EEG’s objectives and targets for 2009, including plans for consolidating its programs and campaigns to strengthen corporate social responsibility advocacy in the country and the region. Mrs. Al Marashi announced the staging of the 2nd Arabia CSR Awards and capacity building activities for corporate members on sustainability. EEG through its champions will likewise continue the promotion of the UN Global Compact in the region.

Although the region is facing numerous challenges, the corporate sector and EEG have continued their engagement to benefit the community and the environment while maintaining growth. The corporate sector remains hopeful that an economic rebound will be on the horizon soon. Their continued participation in EEG programs and events including the gala dinner is a sign of ‘business, as usual’.

The event’s carbon footprint is neutralized by carbon offsets donated by one of its members, EcoVentures, a local emissions reduction firm. The carbon credits will be sourced from UN Clean Development Projects.

Mr. Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, Vice Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Keynote Speaker for the night, gave a view on the work of DCCI and how it has provided one of the most enabling business climates in the world despite the gloomy economic climate. Mr. Al Shirawi likewise outlined several steps on how to turn the crisis into opportunity and bring the business community to full recovery from the crisis en route to sustainability. Mr. Al Shirawi reiterated that Dubai still offers one of the best business climates in the world despite the economic downturn.

Awards and recognitions were presented to over 35 organizations. They included sponsors and supporters from government, private bodies and media. They were presented specially engraved crystals. The event was attended by members of all ranks (associate members, corporate members, individual members and CSR Network founding members), heads of government establishments, Ambassadors and other VIP’s.

The evening was likewise made memorable by highly appreciated piano renditions of Mr. Michael Griffin of classic and popular tunes.