AD Ports Group, AESG and Expo City Dubai have joined World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) network as Regional Partners. These businesses bring their expertise in sustainable urban development to the region and support the work being done by our Green Building Councils (GBCs) and MENA Net Zero Collaborators.
The Middle East and North Africa is currently home to over 350 million people, and its population growth has been characterised by rapid urbanisation. The countries in the MENA region are among the world's most exposed states to the accelerating impacts of human-caused climate change.
The region has experienced soaring heat waves, declining precipitation, extended droughts, more intense sandstorms and floods, and rising sea levels. Those living in resource-poor countries that lack access to infrastructure, technology, and human and physical capital will suffer. The effects will magnify pre-existing inequities and the consequences will be felt unevenly across the region.
WorldGBC's MENA Regional Network represents nine national GBCs and thousands of member companies.
AD Ports Group, AESG and Expo City Dubai's partnership will support the MENA Regional Networks' priorities, which include:
- Positioning the built environment as a critical climate solution ahead of COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Developing the Zero Carbon Readiness Framework, which was initially inspired by the Asia Pacific region
- Strengthening regional collaboration on resilient reconstruction and recovery in times of crises in the MENA region, turning challenges into opportunities for building back better.
Amira Ayoub, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programmes Head, WorldGBC
"The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is going through an extremely difficult time due to wars, climate change impacts, and natural disasters. The moment to come together, combine our resources, and work together to save our communities is now. We are so proud that AD Ports Group, AESG, and Expo City Dubai have joined WorldGBC's MENA Regional Network. Alongside other partners and Green Building Councils, we will collaborate on creating a resilient and sustainable built environment for all."
AD Ports Group's sustainability strategy aligns with the local and global sustainable development agenda. It is guided by frameworks such as the UN Global Compact, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
David Gatward, Chief Engineering & Technical Services Officer, AD Ports Group
"We are delighted to join World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) network as Regional Partners. AD Ports Group places significant emphasis on addressing climate change and its consequences as we work to enhance Abu Dhabi's role as a pivotal hub for economic and industrial progress in the Middle East.
In this critical decade for climate action, AD Ports Group is committed to playing its part in a consensus for innovative and bold solutions which will be on full display at the upcoming COP28 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) next month. Sustainability is deeply rooted in our core values, and we consistently explore opportunities to advance eco-friendly developments that leaves a beneficial imprint on our built environment."
AESG's sustainability team have a diverse range of backgrounds and skills, including architects, planners, engineers, building physicists and environmental scientists. The business's holistic approach to sustainability is one that simultaneously considers environmental, social, and economic factors.
Katarina Uherova Hasbani, Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory, AESG
"As one of the first signatories of WorldGBC's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, AESG is proud to deepen our commitment to the Middle East's net zero goals by extending this partnership as Strategic MENA Regional Partner to this global action network, alongside Expo City Dubai and AD Ports. Impactful change is possible when key industry stakeholders come together to take action and leverage net zero targets as an opportunity to grow.
"AESG has been at the forefront of decarbonising the built environment by providing Strategic Net Zero consultancy for both public and private sectors. We are certain this partnership will enable us to continue to work together to help shape key green building programmes and initiatives undertaken by the World Green Building Council for the region."
Expo City Dubai, the host of COP28, knows that every actor has a role to play in ensuring future generations can enjoy a greener and better world. Expo City Dubai serves as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and is committed to making this a reality.
Matt Brown, Chief Sustainability, Expo City Dubai
"At Expo City Dubai, we believe in the necessity of working together to propel progress towards a better future for both people and planet and joining WorldGBC's MENA Network as a Regional Partner reflects this conviction.
"The first community in the region to have registered under the WELL Community Standard, Expo City is fully integrating sustainability into the way the city is built and operated, as well as the way the community is engaged. We are committed to maximising our positive social, environmental and economic impact as we advance on our journey towards net zero by 2050 and are confident that our partnership with WorldGBC's MENA Network will help drive this forward."
