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6/10/25, 4:00 PM Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the 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.

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