e& has unveiled its role as the ‘Principal Technology Partner’ for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28), scheduled to take place in the UAE this year. This collaboration reinforces e&’s commitment, outlined during COP27, to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions for its operations in the UAE by 2030. This aligns seamlessly with the Group’s overarching strategy aimed at attaining net-zero emissions and spearheading global climate action for a sustainable future.
e& has consistently demonstrated its unwavering dedication to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, marking significant progress in its sustainability strategy while amplifying its role in global climate action. The Group has prioritized initiatives geared towards reducing its carbon footprint, focusing particularly on energy efficiency enhancements and the integration of renewable energy sources.
As a Principal Technology Partner for COP28, e& will play a pivotal role in advancing the conference’s ambitious agenda, which revolves around expediting a just and well-coordinated energy transition, addressing climate finance, and safeguarding the well-being and livelihoods of individuals, all while fostering comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
e&’s ultimate goal is to stimulate sustainable economic growth and transcend conventional paradigms, uniting stakeholders in the transition from mere ambition to tangible results. During COP28, e& will provide essential network connectivity and digital infrastructure, while also showcasing its sustainable operations, programs, and projects at the Green Zone area in Dubai Expo City.
Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e& Group, expressed, “This partnership embodies e&’s vision of empowering the communities we serve while safeguarding the environment for future generations. The time for action is now, and COP28 provides the perfect platform for us to transform this vision into reality by collaborating with individuals and organizations worldwide.”
Dowidar further emphasized, “Our partnership with COP28 underscores e&’s commitment to addressing global social, economic, and climate challenges, mirroring the UAE’s dedication to spearheading a sustainable economy, industrial growth, and advancing the climate agenda across various sectors.”
Earlier this year, e& reaffirmed its dedication to ESG by aligning itself with the World Economic Forum’s Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics. This move places e& in the company of over 100 global firms that now align their performance reporting with ESG indicators and consistently gauge their contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dowidar added, “As the first private sector company in the UAE to join the UICCA (UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators), we are acting as a catalyst for change and elevating our efforts, not only in telecommunications but also across our technology services. As our group expands to serve more markets and communities around the world as part of our transformation, our commitment to sustainable growth remains unwavering. We believe that by integrating sustainability into our core values and business practices, we can drive responsible growth that benefits all stakeholders and has a meaningful and lasting impact on the world we serve.”
Since 2019, e& has accelerated its energy efficiency programs and managed numerous initiatives to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in the avoidance of more than 380,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in three key markets (UAE, Pakistan, and Egypt).
Recognized as ‘Committed’ by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), e& has positioned itself on a path towards near-term science-based targets. SBTi, a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, and the World Resources Institute, outlines emissions reduction goals for all Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sub-sectors between 2020 and 2030. The Group’s program will establish a clear roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions, further advancing its sustainability initiatives, which have a positive human impact on future plans and operations.
