To drive sustainable change, Majid Al Futtaim’s Carrefour UAE has launched supplier sustainability forum Together for Better in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
This event aims to encourage Middle East retailers to adopt the best eco-friendly practices.
Senior vice president of human capital & sustainability at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, Samar Elmnhrawy, said: “Now, more than ever, businesses are being asked to address and solve social and environmental issues.
“At Carrefour, we believe in our role as an advocate for the community, which is why we are proud to have launched the Supplier Sustainability Forum. The forum witnessed tremendous collaboration from participating organisations, fostering partnerships with governments and local communities alike. Our pledge for ‘Together for Better’ will result in a ripple effect, encouraging entities in the region to prioritise sustainability, ensuring a more progressive future for our planet, communities, and businesses, and going on to influence customer behaviour and drive better choices.
“It reflects how our initiatives go beyond addressing present issues; we are spearheading a sustainable future for grocery retail and setting new standards for the industry.”
The forum brought together 13 prominent Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) suppliers – Arla Foods, Beiersdorf, Bel Group, Duracell, Henkel, IFFCO, Johnson & Johnson, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Reckitt, The Coca Cola Company and Unilever.
These businesses came convened to enhance sustainability practices and identify long-term solutions.
Two workshops were held, identifying key barriers to success across the four pillars such as policy and legislation, customer awareness and infrastructure availability.
The forum also introduced the Sustainable Partnership Pledge, encouraging participating members to share their knowledge to continuously work towards enhancing their sustainability performance.
Majid Al Futtaim Retail and the 13 industry supplier signed the pledge.
With plans to expand its impact beyond the UAE to the broader Middle East and Africa region, the Supplier Sustainability Forum aligns with the UAE’s national sustainability agenda, promoting a sustainable future.
Director of the green development & environment affairs department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment MOCCAE, Aisha Al Abdooli, said: “By working together on sustainable practices, we are changing more than just our industries – we are creating a greener future for the whole UAE. Every step we take, every change we make is a win for our businesses and our country.
“The success of our sustainability agenda lies in our ability to foster effective public-private partnerships. This forum is not just about business goals; it is about our national vision. As we navigate the Year of Sustainability and approach the pivotal COP28 that will be hosted in the UAE, let us work together, support each other, and make a real difference. Because together, we can make the UAE a world leader in sustainability.”
