Al Naboodah Group Enterprises (ANGE), the management company for one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected family conglomerates, has published its 5thannual Sustainability Report outlining ANGE’s accomplishments in implementing sustainable business practices and creating shared value for all. As the Group moves towards a paperless workplace, the 114-page report was published as a digital, interactive document freely available to download from the Sustainability page on the Group’s corporate website, www.alnaboodah.com.
Commenting on the occasion, Fatima Ahmed Saeed Al Naboodah, General Manager – Sustainability for ANGE, said: ““In an extremely challenging year, it took an exceptional level of commitment from our Sustainability Committee and Leadership Council to stay true to our principles in the face of the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has reaffirmed the critical role sustainability plays in business resilience, as those that integrated sustainability as a strategic objective into their operations prior to the crisis were much more agile in responding to unexpected events strategically.”
While the pandemic presented excellent opportunity for self-reflection, Al Naboodah Group Enterprises maintains that its people-first approach was integral to its resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Fatima added: “As a business employing thousands, we have an immense responsibility, and this pandemic drove us to reassess and re-adjust our operations. It has enabled us, for the first time, to recognise our weaknesses in a clear and evident manner, and also gave us the opportunity to address them. Our employees are at the heart of our business, and protecting their health and safety always comes first. This has enabled us to remain true to our purpose and values, underpinning our "Working as a Family" people-first approach, which in turn ensured that we remained operational and supported business continuity, thus creating shared value for all.”
Covering the period from January 1st to December 31st 2020, thereport was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative’s Standards: ‘Core Option’,and represents a“Communication on Progress” on the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact (UNGC). ANGE is an official signatory to the UNGC, joining a worldwide community of 13,000 participants who adopt and incorporate the 10 Principles into their strategy and policies to operate their businesses responsibly with regards to human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.
ANGE has also aligned its sustainability objectives with the UAE’s Vision 2021 agenda, as well as the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a global framework to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all.