Global trade enabler, DP World, was recognised at the International CSR Excellence Awards in London, winning Gold for Employee Engagement in recognition of its Global Education initiative and being named Sustainability Champion for its Our World, Our Future global sustainability programme.
Our World, Our Future was launched in February 2016 to unite DP Worlds wide-ranging sustainability efforts and ensure maximum impact. Over the past year, it has reached all of DP Worlds 36,500 employees across six continents, establishing it as a responsible business.
The Global Education Programme is being implemented across the world following a pilot study in early 2016. It involves employees delivering lessons in local schools to increase the knowledge of the industry in young people. The modules encourage children to consider a career in the maritime and trade industry, helping develop a pipeline of future talent for a crucial sector.
The initiative has been a great hit with schools, with 96% of teachers saying it provided pupils with something new their school could not, and 94% saying they would recommend DP World as an employer. It also has significant benefits for employees, with 96% of volunteers that have taken part saying they are more likely to speak positively about DP World, and 93% increasing their job satisfaction. The programme aims to reach 34,000 young people by 2020. To date, more than 200 employees have been involved, engaging over 5,500 students across 14 countries.
DP World group chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: We are committed to being world leaders in sustainability, a key part of which means helping to develop young people in the communities where we operate, and I am delighted to have our efforts recognised. We know we can play a significant role in improving peoples lives, strengthening their communities, and protecting their environment. We take this responsibility very seriously, and I look forward to building on what weve achieved and finding ways for us to continually do more.
DP Worlds sustainability initiatives involve four key sustainability commitments launched as part of Our World, Our Future. These are protecting the environment; ensuring the highest standards of safety; investing in its people; and building a vibrant, secure, and resilient society.
DP World has addressed a range of social issues over the past year, including:
- United for Wildlife Transportation Taskforce: DP World has signed up to 11 commitments to tackle illegal wildlife trade as part of this major global collaboration.
- Logistics Emergency Teams: As a member of the UN-led Logistics Emergency Teams (LET), DP World provides pro bono expertise and resources to respond to major natural disasters.
- Community volunteering: During DP Worlds Global Volunteer Week in December 2016, employees contributed more than 3,800 hours for social and environmental projects in local communities, benefitting over 5,700 people.
- Renewable energy: DP Worlds 88,000-panel solar project is underway in Dubai, helping address the need for clean energy.