Page 778 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/10/25, 4:00 PM Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible
business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance
with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by
private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra’s firm dedication to
empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable development. By recognising impactful
initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE’s broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major sectors.

In her speech, H.E. Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives
and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. H.E. highlighted the importance of
this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in
conjunction with the prestigious ‘Year of Community’ program. Her Excellency praised the
efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic issues.

The top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable
groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education’s '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions'
'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration’ initiative. Together, they were awarded a total
cash prize of AED 600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the UAE. Additionally,
the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to
showcase their project outcomes.

Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: “We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the
Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable
change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE’s vision for a sustainable,
inclusive and resilient future.”

On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra’s lead role in fostering sustainability in
various industries. A key session at the event featured H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy
and Vice Chairman of Majra’s Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main
challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the UAE. Key issues highlighted included the lack of
opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions,
and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR practices.
Another key session titled, ‘The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,’ explored the
importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr.
Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and

CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and H.E. Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and
Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma’an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al Qassim.
The event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin
Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote
sustainability within the fashion industry.

The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra’s unwavering commitment towards establishing a
thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE’s strategic development goals.

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