Dubai Land Department recently held a joint press conference in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact, during which it publicised the UAE Global Compact network’s achievements. The conference, which was yesterday organised in Jumeirah’s Mina A’Salam Hotel, saw His Excellency Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director General of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), join Mrs. Lise Kingo, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, and Mr. Mahmoud El Burai, Executive Director of the Dubai Real Estate Institute and representative of the Global Compact Network in the UAE.
HE Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Head of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), said: "The ultimate goal of organising the event is to highlight Dubai’s efforts and ambitions in sustainability, and to keep abreast of world developments in order to achieve sustainability across all areas of our lives. To achieve this we are inspired and encouraged by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai."
Bin Mejren added: "We proceed from a well-defined strategy that aims to achieve investment sustainability in the real estate sector, which will help to achieve sustainability in its varying economic, social and environmental forms. From our list of achievements, we are most proud of the establishment of the Regional centre for Resource Efficient and Sustainable Cities for the MENA region, together with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which seeks to encourage environmental sustainability as well as to promote and support the use of natural resources, and contribute towards sustainable development.”
On the other hand, Bin Mijren confirmed that next year 2017 will see growth in real estate transactions, especially since Dubai is working on many projects and initiatives that support the goals of sustainable development, referring to the participation of DLD in a committee of all sectors under the United Nations umbrella, as there are common features assembly between the UNGC, DLD and the local real estate sector, and in the forefront of corporate governance, transparency and focus on sustainable cities.
The UNGC presence in the UAE indicates on the importance of Dubai and DLD’s successful strategic programs, especially in the registration and regulation of the real estate as it transfer its experiences to the countries of the world.
Bin Mejren explained that the laws have been exported to many countries, including the Gulf countries, as many governments are working today to establish real estate regulatory agencies, taking Dubai as a lead. HE praised the the experience of Dubai Real Estate Institute, which offers courses outside the UAE for the transfer of knowledge, noting also that the selection of Dubai to host the Sustainable Cities Center is one of the most important achievements.
In addition to shedding light on the local strategy to set world objectives for years to come, and taking practical action towards supporting sustainable development goals, the aim of this conference is to highlight the Global Compact local network’s achievements and plans, in addition to sustainability plans and agendas in the real estate sector. The DLD focused on its sustainability projects, as well as discussing professional training as provided by the Dubai Real Estate Institute in the area of sustainability and smart cities.
Mrs. Lise Kingo, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact said: “we are proud that the Global Compact Network in the UAE is one of our fastest growing country networks, reflecting the rising interest of businesses in the region in sustainability, Many companies here are leading by example in the Gulf – showing how businesses can take steps to advance anti-corruption, gender equality, green growth and sustainable building.”
Mr. Mahmoud El Burai, Director Executive Director of Dubai Real Estate Institute, and representative of the Global Compact network in the UAE noted: "We are proud of our achievements in institutional sustainability, and at the Dubai Real Estate Institute we will make sure to provide all training and educational resources for individuals and organisations wishing to join this national effort, to ensure that the UAE proves its worth on the international scene. On this occasion, we can thank all of the institutions that have quickly responded to calls to join the national network and so far contributed, alongside us, in these magnificent achievements. We hope that more will heed to call to join in the near future."
The local Global Compact network in the United Arab Emirates was established last year following the DLD’s hosting of the United Nations Global Compact agreement in the MENA region in the same month. It was the first regional government institution to receive the honour of hosting this international event. Ever since its establishment, the local network has worked on strengthening governance, transparency, sustainability and human rights in various government economic sectors.
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