Al-Futtaim Group has nominated three Emirati professionals as the leading voices for the UAE’s sustainable future. Ahmed Aljasmi, Regional Sustainability Lead at IKEA; Meera Al Naqbi, Electrical Engineer at Al-Futtaim Technologies; and Yasmine Alshaikh, Learning and Development Specialist at Al-Futtaim Retail, have been selected as the next-generation ambassadors for sustainability, reflecting the Group’s commitment to eco-conscious practices.
These individuals were chosen for their unwavering dedication to integrating sustainability into various aspects of their work. Their efforts were recognised and nurtured through close collaboration with the UAE Federal Youth Authority, where they represented the voices of young professionals in the private sector.
Aljasmi, Al Naqbi, and Alshaikh recently represented the Al-Futtaim Group at the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Conference in Frankfurt in November 2023. This prestigious event, where Al-Futtaim was the sole organization from the Middle East, provided a global platform for them to learn and share insights on sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the trio played an integral role at COP28, participating in multiple panel discussions. As part of the Youth Circle, they engaged in a crucial conversation titled ‘Adapting For Sustainability Future: Navigating Change In The Private Sector’. This session included representatives from Dubai’s FDI, the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Health & Prevention, and the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, among others.
They also led a panel discussion ‘Generation Green: Youth for Sustainability’ at Al-Futtaim’s Technology & Innovation Hub in the Green Zone during Youth Day at COP28. These engagements provided them with an opportunity to share their experiences with various COP28 delegations and United Nations councils, highlighting their roles in spearheading sustainable initiatives across Al-Futtaim’s diverse business sectors.
Ahmed Aljasmi, expressing his views, stated: “Engaging the youth in sustainable development is essential for creating inclusive and stable societies. Our participation at such high-level forums allows us to demonstrate our achievements, share our knowledge, and inspire transformative change within Al-Futtaim and beyond.”
Al-Futtaim Group’s decision to empower these sustainability champions signifies its dedication to ongoing environmental dialogues, awareness, and actions. This initiative is not only aimed at enhancing the Group’s sustainability footprint but also serves to inspire other members within the organization to embed sustainability into their daily operations, ensuring a greener future for the UAE and the wider region.
