Dubai Dialogue 2021 Conference

Happy 2022 to our students and the Institute of Sustainable Development Community!

Middlesex University Dubai in association with the Dubai Centre for Responsible Business and would like to start the year right by sharing key points from The Dubai Dialogue 2021 on the topic ‘Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy’ hosted by the Dubai Chamber.

The Dubai Dialogue 2021 is an annual forum bringing together a community of stakeholders such as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to have an inclusive towards achieving a circular economy. Estimates of achieving a circular economy are estimated to be up to $4.5 trillion and that currently, the world economy is only at 10% of its potential.

The panel discussion comprised of the following:

• Dr. Kamel Mellahi (Moderator)
• Samira Al Rais – Senior Director, Policy & Strategy, Sustainable Development, The General Secretariat of The Executive Council, Government of Dubai
• Professor Dima Rachid Jamali – Dean, College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah
• Omar Channawi – CEO – Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and Global Entrepreneurial Markets, Proctor and Gamble
• Dr. Udo Huenger – Vice President Middle East, BASF

Some of the key areas covered by the discussion:

• Sustainability is complex and must be approached strategically. It requires the right people to help ‘pave the way’ for a circular economy borne out of collaborations with stakeholders including competitors.
• Circular systems also are found to be a ‘proven solution’ in managing waste and the increase thereof.
• At the time of the pandemic, circular economy rests in sustainable considerations for current and future generations. Our linear approaches simply are no longer viable options.
• Public and private sectors have their respective roles to play that are crucial to achieve actual circular economy effects.
• Stakeholders and academia are key enablers of circular economy. 

The full report on the dialogue proceedings can be read here.