DIPMF unveils road map for sustainable growth
TURNKEY EVENT SAW GLOBAL EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT AND BECOME A DIGITAL-FIRST ECONOMY
A distinguished panel of global experts highlighted the significance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable economic growth, attracting investments, leading in sustainable finance, and becoming a digital-first economy during a pivotal session titled Road Map for Economic and Environmental Prosperity, under the theme Beyond Boundaries on the concluding day of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF). Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the ninth edition was organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and co-hosted by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), DP World Group, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). The turnkey event, held from January 15-18, saw specialists from around the world gathering in Dubai to enhance project management and operations.
sustainable growth
Panellists included Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, former Minister of State for International Cooperation, Amber Rudd, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, UK, and Prof. Mike Berners-Lee, climate researcher and author of the book, There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years. They provided critical insights into policy priorities for supporting economic growth, achieving a balance between economic growth and climate change mitigation, fostering innovation for sustainability, and boosting investment in climate change initiatives.
Shaikha Lubna emphasised the UAE government’s commitment to striking a delicate balance between economic growth and the pressing need to address climate change. She observed that the equilibrium is being achieved through active participation from communities, locals and a diverse range of stakeholders, including government bodies, infrastructure companies, organisations, investments, industries, and increased private sector involvement. She stressed the importance of governments highlighting the economic benefits of their actions while ensuring minimal impact on the most vulnerable populations. Emphasising public demand and a focus on national assets, she underscored their pivotal roles in driving innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the UAE.
Rudd asserted the need for governments to navigate the challenge of fostering economic growth while urgently addressing climate change. Prof. Berners-Lee contributed expertise on innovation and sustainability within the business landscape. He emphasised that in today’s rapidly changing business environment, the most effective mindset and strategies for fostering innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation involve embracing change and adapting to evolving landscapes.
circular economy
Collaboration among industry leaders is essential for driving the circular economy and enabling sustainable and economically viable projects, said pioneering leaders during another panel discussion on Project and Circular Economy. The discussion, moderated by Brandy Scott, featured distinguished panellists, including Eng. Mohammed Rashed, CPO Nakheel, Ladeja Godina Kosir, Founder and Executive Director at Circular Change and Co-chair of ECESP, and Hemant Chaudhary, Founder, Managing Director, Circular Economy Alliance Australia.
Rashed shared Nakheel’s best practices in project management and highlighted that the company is leading the way in aligning its efforts with Dubai’s grand vision outlined in Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai 33 Agenda.
He added that stakeholders, ranging from shareholders to management, are increasingly supporting the principles of the circular economy. This movement is gaining momentum with its far-reaching impact on environmental, social, and economic fronts. CEOs are encouraged to prioritise ownership and connectivity at the highest levels to promote this paradigm shift. They should ensure the active involvement of not only their workforce but also their contractors and suppliers. This collective engagement creates a culture deeply rooted in the principles of the circular economy, which weaves an intricate fabric. He suggests prioritising sustainable building practices, efficient material usage, streamlined execution, and realistic project timelines in the construction industry. These strategies will help address the challenges faced by the industry and support Dubai’s visionary agendas.
During the discussion, Kosir talked about the potential for circular strategies to generate both short and long-term value. Chaudhary emphasised the importance of collaboration between businesses and external stakeholders in developing, promoting, and executing circular strategies. ■