DUBAI: Dubai-based DP World, a leading global trade enabler, has unveiled its corporate sustainability plan for Suez and Sokhna in Egypt with 11 projects benefitting around 7500 people in both cities. Ajay Singh, CEO, DP World-Sokhna, said: “Corporate sustainability is at the heart of our business in countries and regions where we operate and we firmly believe that public-private partnerships are key in helping achieve tangible development for local people and their communities.” Kathryn Wightman – Beaven, head of Sustainability at DP World, added: “We are delighted to see this programme in Egypt, which forms part of our global sustainability programme ‘Our World, Our Future’ based on four pillars: protecting the environment, investing in our people, ensuring the highest safety standards, and building a vibrant, secure and resilient society.” In collaboration with the Egyptian Government and Suez Governorate, DP World, is launching 11 projects in the health, education, water and social welfare sectors to serve local communities in Suez and Sokhna.
DP World-Sokhna employees will participate through monetary donations and volunteering their time to help with the projects that will be implemented from August to December 2017. Initiatives include a blood drive in celebration of World Blood Donation Day on 31st of July in Sokhna and providing an ambulance car to Suez General Hospital. Educational initiatives include the upgrade of school facilities in the Al Mothalath area, organising literacy classes at the Faisal Youth Center and distributing 1000 stationery bags to school students in Manshiat Salama, in addition to summer training for university students. Other projects will see the establishment of water infrastructure in the Ganaien area, coupled with tree planting in Suez, distributing food packages for low-income families in Genefa , establishing a drivers’ rest area in Sokhna, and celebrating Global Volunteer Week there on December 3.
DP World Sokhna provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the communities around the port. It has already implemented a range of sustainability initiatives to serve the local community and achieve sustainable development in Suez including sponsoring the Misr El Kheir Caravan offering eye treatment for over 500 patients. The Go Green initiative, launched by DP World in collaboration with world’s largest port operators, enabled DP World-Sokhna to launch several environmentally-friendly initiatives to support its operations, including the use of solar energy and LED solutions for lighting inside buildings and lighting poles, while applying advanced technologies and movement detectors to save energy. Another key project was the renovation of Al Sabah Hospital in Suez providing ten advanced medical devices for the kidney dialysis unit and upgrading the neonatal intensive care unit by equipping it with ten incubators. Support has also been given to tackle illiteracy in collaboration with the Faisal Youth Center, while organising English language and computer courses for university graduates.
