DMCC, the world’s premier flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, has launched its first sustainability report, as part of its commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

The report is prepared in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Core option, said a statement from DMCC.

The report details DMCC’s approach and performance in managing its social, economic and environmental impact in 2017. It registers progress across four key pillars: ‘People’, ‘Marketplace’, ‘Environment’ and ‘Community’.

The report also outlines DMCC’s contribution to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of the UAE Vision 2021, and Dubai Plan 2021. By committing to high-level global initiatives such as the UNGC, DMCC seeks to encourage companies to similarly transform their business models to serve societal needs, it said.

Over the coming years, DMCC will continue building shared value and working collaboratively to deliver meaningful and lasting change for good in line with its commitment to the SDGs, it added.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC, said: “We are committed to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals that outline a vision aimed at targeting the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing our world.”

“We have identified the goals we believe will make the greatest difference throughout our business activities and pave the way for future generations to live in a sustainable environment,” he said.

“Our first sustainability report covers our growth, journey and footprint for 2017 and highlights our contribution to the UAE economy. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders in delivering our long-term sustainability strategy,” he added.

Mahmoud Hesham Al Burai, chairman, UN Global Compact UAE Local Network, added: “It is encouraging to see DMCC place sustainability at the forefront of its growth strategy, and actively contribute to the global effort to transform society through sustainable development.”

“We welcome DMCC’s first report, which represents an important first step in its commitment to the UN Global Compact. We hope this will pave the way for other organisations to join and contribute to a better future for everyone. It is important to make a difference today, and it is our responsibility to work collectively towards making a positive impact,” he added.

In August 2017, DMCC became the first free zone in the GCC to commit to the UNGC, encouraging responsible business practice throughout the entire value chain, working closely with its 15,000 member companies.

Earlier this year, DMCC also became the first free zone in the UAE to sign the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), it stated. – TradeArabia News Service