Women leaders call for early adoption of net zero initiatives at Century Financial event
Financial services provider hosts all-women leaders roundtable on sustainability push
UAE-based women leaders have called for a broad consensus to hasten the transition to a net zero future, especially as the UAE is poised to host COP28 within the next two months.
The call was put out by eminent panellists participating in the First All-Women Leaders Roundtable Session on Sustainability under the theme ‘Pioneering the Path to Net Zero’ organised by Century Financial, the leading Dubai-headquartered financial services provider.
12 key panellists
The roundtable event was held on September 28, 2023, at the Century Financial corporate offices at Emaar Square 4 in Downtown Dubai. It featured 12 prominent women leaders spearheading the transition to net zero aspirations at the corporate and individual levels.
Century Financial hosted the exclusive roundtable as part of its ‘Sustainability & U’ strategic initiative that was specially launched to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2023. This initiative by the financial services provider calls for real action through collaborations and preparing stakeholders to embrace governance.
With an audience exclusively comprising women from various walks of life keen on learning how they and their respective organisations can hasten the push towards sustainability in daily life, Samerra Fernandes, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Century Financial, was the roundtable’s charismatic moderator. She welcomed the attendees in this role and highlighted the event’s itinerary.
Maitha Alblooshi, Scrum Master at Emirates NBD, began the well-attended roundtable proceedings by delivering a power talk on women’s leadership and sustainability.
First session
The focus of discussion in the first session was ‘Empowering women leaders in the transition to a sustainable economy.’
The session featured as panellists: Dr Elena Zhukovskaya, Founder of Advanced Sustainability Innovation Center; Dr Miniya Chaterjee, CEO of Sustain Labs Paris; Fadwa Sahly, UN Women & Managing Director of urBIZassist; Amal Al Redha, Director of Fundraising, Dubai Cares; Stephanie Asgill, Director of Sustainability & Gender Equality at Dubai Holding; and Juhi Yasmeen Khan, Founding & Managing Director of JYK Community & Hospitality Services.
Second session
The second session was on ‘Stepping up to lead with impact: How women are pioneering a better future.’
Session two panellists comprised: Fatima Alloghani, Director of Emiratisation at Majid Al Futtaim; Manal Bahman, Director of Operations at Emirates Nature WWF; Yasmine Barbir, FMCG and ESG Consultant; Saima Khan, Global Partnerships Manager at Penny Appeal and UN Youth Ambassador; Farah Naz, Director of ESG and Innovation at AECOM; and Anita Nouri, CEO of Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability.
Discussions in the two sessions broadly focussed on the importance of accelerating the journey towards net zero emissions for businesses, increasing regulatory demands, evolving consumer expectations, and the financial benefits of early adoption.
The panellists also elaborated on how innovation is crucial in sustainability efforts, with the deployment of tools like ESG metrics, lifecycle assessments, and the importance of aligning with long-term financial health to demonstrate the ROI of sustainability initiatives.
The unique role of women leaders in pioneering sustainability initiatives also formed part of the thought-provoking discussion with the various panellists sharing personal experiences and insights.
The concept of a net-zero-emissions world, the importance of staying ahead of the curve through continuous innovation and setting industry benchmarks, was also broached.
Century Financial awarded
Neil Skehel, CEO of Awards International, in the UK, Serbia, UAE, and the US, presented Century Financial with a Pathway to Net Zero Recognition of Excellence award at the close of the roundtable event.
Sustainability Policy release
A highlight of the day was the official release and launch of Century Financial’s bespoke Sustainability Policy 2023-2024, presented in booklet form.
Writing in the Sustainability Policy 2023-2024, Bal Krishnen, Chairman & CEO of Century Financial, stated: ‘Sustainability is a top priority for our company, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy.
‘However, we know we still have a long way to go. That is why I am calling on all of us to continue to work together to make Century Financial a more sustainable company.
‘I believe we can make a real difference in the world by working together to build a more sustainable future,’ Krishnen noted.
Applicable to Century Financial, all its shareholders, directors, and employees, the newly launched Policy aims to reduce Century Financial’s environmental impact, improve its social impact, project the company’s reputation, comply with governmental regulations, and create a more sustainable future.
Strategic initiatives
Century Financial’s Sustainability & U initiative is part of the company’s strategic ESG mission that also includes ‘Health, Wealth & Happiness’, ‘She Matters’, and ‘Educate Now’ programmes.
Founded in 1989 and regulated by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority, Century Financial specialises in investments and trading in financial instruments, including currencies, indices, shares, commodities, treasuries and ETFs, and exchange-traded derivatives.
The company’s services include investment consultancy, research & analysis, and financial promotional services.
Featured image: Century Financial C-suite members with session 2 panellists: Image: Arnold Pinto
Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto
