Emirates Group Joins UN Global Compact
Emirates and dnata have taken a step towards enhancing their sustainability endeavours by becoming members of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), an international initiative that encourages responsible business practices and supports the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, expressed his satisfaction with the Emirates Group's decision to join the United Nations Global Compact during the UAE's Year of Sustainability.
He further emphasised that Emirates and dnata have always maintained a balanced approach to growth, aligning with the long-term vision of Dubai and the UAE. The Emirates Group remains committed to excellence, progress, and the values of tolerance and respect. It will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, skilled personnel, and strategic partnerships to enhance business performance, create a positive impact on the communities it serves, and mitigate its environmental footprint.
As members of the UNGC, Emirates and dnata have pledged to adhere to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in key areas such as human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. They have also committed to providing annual reports on their progress in implementing these principles.
The Emirates Group will leverage the comprehensive tools and resources offered by the UNGC to engage with its global workforce, enhance their understanding and training in sustainability, and drive continuous improvement in their sustainability initiatives.
The Emirates Group is actively engaged in environmental initiatives with a threefold focus: emission reduction, responsible consumption, and wildlife and habitat preservation. Notably, in January, Emirates achieved a significant milestone by operating a demonstration flight utilising 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine, supporting the aviation industry's collective efforts towards enabling 100% SAF-powered flights in the future.
Furthermore, dnata has committed to invest US$100 million over two years, starting in June 2022, to enhance environmental efficiency across its global operations. These recent initiatives underscore the Emirates Group's dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
The Emirates Group is resolutely committed to promoting gender balance in its workforce. As a signatory to the UAE Gender Balance Council's pledge, the Group is actively working towards increasing female representation in middle to senior management positions by 2025.
Additionally, dnata has joined IATA's 25by2025 initiative, which aims to enhance and strengthen gender diversity within the organisation by promoting increased representation of women.
Emirates and dnata are deeply committed to enriching and supporting communities through their ongoing efforts in humanitarian relief. In 2022, these efforts included initiatives to aid the floods in Pakistan and the earthquake in Turkey-Syria. Through the Emirates, Airline Foundation and dnata4good, Emirates and dnata collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide essential resources such as education, shelter, food, and clean water to those in need.
The Emirates Group also contributes to the future of aviation and travel by investing in human capital and supporting innovation platforms. Emirates' robust global sponsorship calendar promotes sports, brings fans and communities together, and provides opportunities for future sports stars.
As a firm advocate of ethical and responsible practices, the Emirates Group has established cross-functional internal committees to oversee and monitor critical areas such as strategic planning, operations, finance, and reputation management. The Group has also implemented robust systems and programs to ensure awareness and adherence to various policies, including but not limited to anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, anti-slavery and human trafficking, antitrust and competition, conflicts of interest, data protection and cybersecurity, as well as sanctions and export controls.
The Emirates Group, which encompasses Emirates and dnata along with their subsidiaries, holds a prominent position as a global leader in aviation and travel services. With their extensive operations worldwide, Emirates and dnata create employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, for hundreds of thousands of individuals. They facilitate connections between businesses and opportunities in the global marketplace and enable international mobility for people to pursue their professional, familial, and personal enrichment aspirations. The Emirates Group's contributions to the aviation and travel industry are significant, benefiting individuals, businesses, and economies at a global scale.
Source: Emirates
