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e& Partners with COP28 as Principal Technology Partner to Drive Sustainable Initiatives

by Swati Gupta

September 15, 2023 18

e&, a leading technology company, has announced its role as the ‘Principal Technology Partner’ for the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28) to be hosted in the UAE this year. This partnership builds upon e&‘s commitment made during COP27, where the company pledged to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its UAE operations by 2030. The collaboration underscores e&’s dedication to advancing sustainability, promoting global climate action, and striving for a more sustainable future.

e& has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, taking significant steps in its sustainability strategy to contribute to worldwide climate efforts.

The company’s primary focus has been on initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, especially through improved energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources. e& will actively support COP28’s ambitious action agenda, which centers on expediting a just and well-managed transition to clean energy, addressing climate finance, and prioritizing the well-being and livelihoods of people, all while ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

e& aims to foster sustainable economic growth and go beyond conventional paradigms, uniting stakeholders in the transition from ambition to tangible outcomes. During COP28, e& will provide essential network connectivity and digital infrastructure and will showcase its sustainable operations, programs, and projects at the Green Zone area in Dubai Expo City.

Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e& Group, expressed the significance of this partnership, saying, “This collaboration embodies e&’s vision of empowering the communities we serve while preserving the environment for future generations. The time for action is now, and COP28 offers the perfect platform for us to turn this vision into reality by collaborating with individuals and organizations worldwide.”

He emphasized e&’s dedication to addressing global social, economic, and climate challenges, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to lead in sustainable economic growth, industrial development, and climate advocacy across various sectors.

Earlier this year, e& strengthened its commitment to ESG by aligning with the World Economic Forum’s Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics. This move places e& among over 100 global companies that now align their performance reporting with ESG indicators and consistently measure their contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hatem Dowidar added, “As the first private sector company in the UAE to join the UICCA (UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators), we are acting as a catalyst for change and intensifying our efforts, not only in the telecommunications sector but across our technology services as well. Our commitment to sustainable growth remains unwavering as our group expands to serve more markets and communities worldwide.”

Since 2019, e& has accelerated its energy efficiency programs and managed multiple initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, successfully avoiding over 380,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in three key markets (UAE, Pakistan, and Egypt).

According to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), e& is now recognized as ‘Committed’ to the near-term science-based targets. SBTi, a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, and the World Resources Institute, aims to set emissions reduction goals between 2020 and 2030 for all Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sub-sectors. e&’s program will outline a clear roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions, driving forward its sustainability initiatives that have a positive impact on future plans and operations.

e&’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and global climate action reflects its dedication to creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the world it serves.