Environment

Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the MENAT region, marked World Environment Day 2025 with a week-long series of events under the theme "One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic." The initiative aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community and the United Nations’ global call to end plastic pollution, reinforcing the bank's ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The celebrations began with a thought-provoking webinar titled "Recycling in Action: Unmasking the Complexity of Materials for a Circular Economy," led by Maryam Al Mansoori, founder of Rebound. The session explored the challenges of material recycling and offered practical insights into improving recycling efficiency and awareness.

Throughout the week, Emirates NBD hosted a wide array of staff-centric sustainability activations across three of its major office locations. Employees interacted with ESG-themed booths and participated in workshops organized in collaboration with notable partners such as Goumbook, Green Arabia, Switch Foods, SNF, Merint, Enable, and Thrift for Good.

Workshops included American Sign Language (ASL) sessions and mini Climate Fresk activities, led by Emirates NBD employees themselves, helping to deepen understanding of climate issues and promote inclusive sustainability efforts. Staff also took part in eco-challenges—such as adopting a mangrove tree—and interactive games, including a “spin the wheel” activity offering sustainability-themed prizes.

Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, stated:

“The theme 'One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic' captures our deep-rooted commitment to embedding sustainability across our operations. Through these activities, we aim to empower our people and partners to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

In a nod to the Year of Community, partner booths also featured plastic-free alternatives, organic food sampling, and art installations created by students of determination, showcasing inclusive, community-driven contributions to the sustainability movement.

To enhance environmental literacy in a fun and engaging format, the bank hosted a Kahoot quiz on climate change, sustainable finance, and key ESG topics. Active participation in events and initiatives also qualified employees for a raffle draw, further reinforcing their role in the collective journey toward environmental stewardship.

Through its impactful initiatives and partnerships, Emirates NBD continues to lead by example in integrating sustainability into business practices and championing environmental awareness across the region.

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