Middle East PR Association UAE Leadership Majlis Ignites Passion for Effective Sustainability Communications
29 March. 23, Dubai, UAE - The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) successfully hosted its 8th edition of the UAE Leadership Majlis. The prestigious event gathered over 100 industry leaders at the first Net-Zero building in the region, SEE Institute Dubai, to discuss the critical role of communications in sustainability. The Majlis emphasised the tremendous opportunities and responsibilities for the communications industry in supporting sustainable practices and promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices across the Middle East.
Brian Lott, Chair of the Arthur W. Page Society and CCO of Mubadala, delivered a keynote speech emphasising the vital role of the Chief Communications Officer in adopting a multi-stakeholder approach that caters to the needs of all stakeholders involved.
The event brought together esteemed industry experts who shared their insights and expertise. Notable participants included Hajar Alketbi, Director of Government Communications, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE; Sunil John, Founder of ASDA'A BCW and President of MENA BCW; Sal Jafar, Managing Director, ESG mena; and Ishraq Abdalla, Co-Founder and Director of Fundraising and Partnerships, Me&Youth.
The panel discussions also included Neda Shelton, SVP Group Communications, Mubadala; Tom Ashby, Head of Global Communications at the International Energy Forum; Benjamin Schroeder, Communications Leader in the Energy Industry; and Roland Buerk, SVP of Corporate Communications, Mubadala, who provided valuable perspectives on Energy Transition Communication. Dr. Jasmina Locke, CEO of SEE Institute Dubai, delivered an inspiring presentation, encouraging attendees to look at research and science to understand and embrace sustainability in their daily lives and work.
The highlight of the Majlis was the breakout groups, where attendees actively engaged in discussions on how effective communications can influence behavioural change and foster the adoption of sustainable lifestyle habits among citizens.
Taryam Alsubaihi, Corporate Communications Consultant, and former MEPRA Chair, along with Ghaleb Zeidan, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick UAE, were honoured with the MEPRA Fellowship award for their outstanding contributions to the communications industry.
Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chair said: “The MEPRA Leadership Majlis was a huge success. Our goal was to create a platform for industry experts and communications professionals to come together and share insights and best practices in sustainability and communications. As communicators, we hold the power to amplify sustainability initiatives and make a positive difference. That’s why MEPRA is actively working on organising ESG and sustainability communications training. The level of engagement we witnessed was so inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate further discussions on this important topic."
The Majlis partners included Mubadala, SEE Institute, Tabreed, ESG mena and PepsiCo.