In a significant step toward climate-conscious corporate governance, the Climate Governance Initiative has introduced Chapter Zero UAE, a platform to enable UAE board directors to lead on climate issues.
The launch, attended by H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), marks the UAE’s alignment with the World Economic Forum's Principles for Effective Climate Governance.
As the 33rd Chapter in the Initiative’s global network and the third in the MENA region, Chapter Zero UAE is designed to integrate climate risk and opportunity management into boardroom decision-making. Through partnerships with prominent institutions, including Aurora50, HSBC, and Mubadala, members will access certified educational programs, networking events, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to drive climate strategies aligned with the UAE’s net-zero goals.
H.H. Sheikha Shamma, Chairperson of Chapter Zero UAE’s Advisory Board, highlighted the UAE’s leadership in sustainability, emphasizing the Chapter’s role in equipping corporate leaders with essential insights to support the nation’s net-zero ambition by 2050.
"Our leadership has placed sustainability at the heart of our development strategy,"
she noted, adding that Chapter Zero UAE will ensure this focus is present in boardrooms across the country.
Global Climate Governance Initiative Chair Julie Baddeley also praised the Chapter’s launch, citing it as a milestone ahead of COP29 that reflects the UAE’s commitment to climate leadership. Founding partners HSBC and Mubadala echoed these sentiments, underscoring their support for responsible, sustainable investment practices that foster long-term value for UAE corporations.
With a robust structure including advisory boards and subcommittees, Chapter Zero UAE is set to play a pivotal role in advancing corporate climate governance in the region.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
