First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Emirates Foundation have established a comprehensive, multi-year partnership aimed at fostering understanding and action on climate change and sustainability within the UAE community.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Foundation Board, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to promote climate-conscious behaviours across various segments of UAE society.
Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, and Futoon Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Consumer Banking, UAE at FAB, inked the partnership agreement.
The joint programme encompasses five primary work streams, targeting communities, businesses, schools, and the wider public. It aims to engage through workplaces and public spaces, organises national-level events on climate consciousness, offer climate-friendly check-ups to measure and reduce carbon footprints, conduct next-gen climate engagement activities in schools, and build a national platform for ‘climate-conscious communities.’
This initiative aims to deepen public understanding of sustainability-related issues and how to address them at various levels, from local communities to the national, regional, and global stages. Unveiling at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the long-term programme will unfold over several years.
Empowering UAE Communities: FAB and Emirates Foundation Launch Carbon Literacy Programme
The first initiative under this partnership is the Carbon Literacy Programme, designed to educate and empower diverse segments of the UAE population, including students, government and private sector employees, community groups, and senior citizens. The programme, which aims to reach 100 UAE schools in 2024, helps participants understand, measure, and reduce their carbon footprints.
Futoon Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Consumer Banking, UAE at FAB, emphasised the importance of individual and local-level actions in addressing climate change, highlighting FAB’s commitment to making positive change that is inclusive and accessible to all, according to WAM.
Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, expressed pride in the strategic partnership, highlighting the joint initiative’s goal to empower the UAE community as catalysts for positive environmental change. The initiative aligns with the goals of COP28, aiming not only to educate but also to inspire individuals to embrace eco-friendly practices.
As a strategic pathway partner of COP28, FAB played a leading role in various sustainability- and climate-focused activities during the conference. The bank announced several new initiatives, including doubling its target for sustainable funding by 2030, SME-focused climate and sustainability initiatives, increased carbon market activities, and ecosystem protection programmes.