Interview: James Babb, partner and IMPACT champion at KPMG Lower Gulf

Interview: James Babb, partner and IMPACT champion at KPMG Lower Gulf

Where are UAE businesses focusing their sustainability efforts?

Sustainability goals depend on the nature of the business. However, at a broad level, businesses in the UAE are increasingly focused on practices including reducing waste, preventing pollution, adopting clean energy, conserving water, sustainable supply chains and reducing carbon emissions. The evolution of business practices is well aligned with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030 and the nation's Vision 2021, which promotes sustainability as one of its main themes.

As a result of the pandemic, businesses have been more open to the adoption of digital practices, and an increased focus on sustainability has been a welcome byproduct. According to KPMG's 2020 CEO Outlook Report, 63 per cent of the CEO's interviewed said that their response to the pandemic has caused their focus to shift to the "social“ component of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs. Moving forward, organisations with robust ESG programs, resilient and flexible supply chains and a talent strategy that focuses on the people and skills needed for a more agile and virtual future, will be well-positioned to thrive.

Technology and sustainability in many cases go hand in hand. What kind of technology can enable businesses to