We are incredibly proud to announce that MENA Impact has won the Silver Award in the Best Sustainable Business Model category at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2024. 

This recognition is a validation of our relentless efforts to empower individuals and businesses across the MENA region through sustainability programs, education, and community-building initiatives.

 It highlights the positive impact we are making toward addressing the most pressing challenges in the MENA region, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About GSA

The Gulf Sustainability Awards™ 2024 are on a mission to recognize, reward, and promote outstanding sustainability initiatives across the Middle East. By celebrating remarkable achievements from the past year, the awards amplify efforts for a more sustainable future. With 23 categories and opportunities to connect with leading professionals, the GSA™ is a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge and building sustainability networks across the region.

Our Participation in Three Key Categories

We were honored to compete in three categories at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2024, each showcasing different facets of our commitment to sustainability and impact.

1. Best CSR Initiative: 

Empowering Youth from Underdeveloped MENA Countries

We spotlighted our Youth Impact Program, which focuses on empowering young people from underdeveloped MENA countries. As part of this initiative, we are proud to have partnered with TAP, a Dutch/Palestinian startup dedicated to accelerating the careers of Palestinian, Jordanian, and Lebanese youth.

Through this partnership, we provide TAP’s Digital Marketing Cohort with essential sustainability skills and knowledge. The program delivers fundamental training in sustainable business practices, including corporate sustainability, climate change, and sustainable marketing.

Participants in the cohort gain these vital skills through an online course and a masterclass, equipping them to drive sustainable practices within their future organizations. Upon completion, they earn a Certificate in Fundamentals of Sustainability in Business, empowering them to contribute to a greener, more responsible economy.

And congratulations to Mubadala Energy, who took home the Gold in this category, for their outstanding work in CSR!

2. Best Sustainable Business Model: 

Building an Impact Business Model

We were honored to receive the Silver Award for our innovative and impact-focused business model, after Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) for winning Gold in the Best Sustainable Business Model category. 

Our model is designed around four key areas that drive sustainable development:

• Empowering MENA Youth through Employment: Contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

• Driving the Adoption of Impact Standards and Disclosure: Promoting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Raising Sustainability Awareness: Supporting all the SDGs.

• Access to Sustainability Literacy and Education: Aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).

This business model not only empowers youth but also fosters a culture of sustainability across organizations in the MENA region. 

Additionally, our recent recognition as a B Corp further solidifies our commitment to ethical, impact-driven business practices. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials

This certification reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve.

3. Best Sustainable Education and Awareness Program: 

 Podcasting for Sustainability Awareness

We are proud to have showcased our Impact Talk  podcast, which leverages the power of storytelling to raise awareness on sustainability. The podcast serves as a platform for sharing the stories of change-makers from the MENA region, amplifying voices that inspire others to take action towards sustainability.

Congratulations to DGRADE for winning Gold in this category, and for their remarkable work in raising awareness through innovative sustainability programs.

Through impactful conversations, we engage our audience with real-world examples of individuals and organizations making strides in sustainable development, sparking ideas and solutions that contribute to long-lasting change.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this achievement, we remain more committed than ever to advancing sustainability in the MENA region. Our work is far from over, and we look forward to continuing our mission of driving the sustainable agenda in our region, and building impact ecosystems across the region.

We believe that creating systemic change is a collective effort. With every step forward, we aim to build stronger communities, support sustainable practices, and contribute to a brighter future for all.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey as we continue to make an impact!