Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World was recognised with two awards at the International CSR Excellence Awards, held recently in London, UK.

DP World received the ‘Gold for Employee Engagement’ in recognition of its Global Education initiative and was named the ‘Sustainability Champion’ for its ‘Our World, Our Future’ global sustainability programme, said a statement from the company.

‘Our World, Our Future’ was launched in February 2016 to unite DP World’s wide-ranging sustainability efforts and ensure maximum impact. Over the past year, it has reached all of DP World’s 36,500 employees across six continents, establishing it as a leading responsible business, it said.

The innovative global education programme is being implemented across the world following a pilot study in early 2016. It involves employees delivering lessons in local schools to increase the knowledge of the industry in young people. The modules encourage children to consider a career in the maritime and trade industry, helping develop a pipeline of future talent for a crucial sector, it added.

The initiative has been a great hit with schools, with 96 per cent of teachers saying it provided pupils with something new their school could not, and 94 per cent saying they would recommend DP World as an employer.

It also has significant benefits for employees, with 96 per cent of volunteers that have taken part saying they are more likely to speak positively about DP World, and 93 per cent increasing their job satisfaction. The programme aims to reach 34,000 young people by 2020. To date, more than 200 employees have been involved, engaging over 5,500 students across 14 countries.

DP World’s sustainability initiatives involve four key sustainability commitments launched as part of ‘Our World, Our Future’. These are: protecting the environment; ensuring the highest standards of safety; investing in its people; building a vibrant, secure and resilient society, said a statement.

DP World addressed a range of social issues over the past year, including:

•United for Wildlife Transportation Taskforce: DP World has signed up to 11 commitments to tackle illegal wildlife trade as part of this major global collaboration.

•Logistics Emergency Teams: As a member of the UN-led Logistics Emergency Teams (LET), DP World provides pro bono expertise and resources to respond to major natural disasters.

•Community volunteering: During DP World’s Global Volunteer Week in December 2016, employees contributed more than 3,800 hours for social and environmental projects in local communities, benefitting over 5,700 people.

•Renewable energy: DP World’s 88,000 panel solar project is underway in Dubai, helping address the need for clean energy.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO, DP World Group, said: “We are committed to being world leaders in sustainability, a key part of which means helping to develop young people in the communities where we operate, and I am delighted to have our efforts recognised.”

“We know we can play a significant role in improving people’s lives, strengthening their communities, and protecting their environment. We take this responsibility very seriously, and I look forward to building on what we’ve achieved and finding ways for us to continually do more,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service