The initiative was launched in collaboration with Zayed University and the SEE Institute to drive active change in the UAE.
The Marketing Society, a leading global membership community, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Zayed University and the SEE Institute through a pioneering new initiative, the ‘Sustainability Squad’. Aimed to raise awareness and drive positive change in the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, the group aims to educate and upskill the marketing community on the importance of sustainable practices.
The Sustainability Squad is made up of 25 members all of who are senior marketing leaders and share a common vision of championing sustainability within the marketing landscape. The partnership underscores The Marketing Society's dedication to fostering a community of changemakers who leverage their expertise to inspire and drive transformational change in the ESG domain.
Neda Shelton, SVP Communications & Board Member of The Marketing Society UAE, and Chair of the Sustainability Squad said, “We’re really excited to launch the Sustainability Squad here in the UAE, during the Year of Sustainability. We believe marketers can play a crucial part in the acceleration of positive change around ESG as natural storytellers and communications experts. The Society’s membership is a community of changemakers and we know that by helping our members do well and do good, we can have a huge impact.
Alasdair Hall-Jones, Global Director of The Marketing Society further added, “The Sustainability Squad is a brilliant opportunity to drive change and amplify our impact on ESG issues. This collaborative project brings together industry leaders who understand the vital role of marketing in shaping a sustainable future. We know that we’re stronger together than we are alone and as such this Squad can really make a difference.”
The Sustainability Squad's objectives extend beyond raising awareness; it also seeks to inspire others to take proactive steps toward sustainability through exciting partnerships and events. A recent collaboration with Sacred Groves, where The Marketing Society purchased clusters of the Sacred Groves Forest for new Society members throughout the month of June 2023, exemplifies the Squad's commitment to action.
Additionally, The Marketing Society is excited to announce its forthcoming partnership with Emirates Nature WWF as the Chosen Marketing 4 Good charity. Through this partnership, Society members will have the opportunity to support the charity's critical conservation efforts, showcasing their commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility. Ultimately this is about creating action.
As a beacon of innovation and thought leadership, the announcement of the Sustainability Squad reinforces The Marketing Society’s commitment to its members, industry, and the global community. For marketers who want to drive positive change and make their mark on ESG issues, the Sustainability Squad offers a platform to make a tangible impact.
The Sustainability Squad will officially launch at a virtual event on Wednesday 27 September from 5.30-6.30 pm titled: Creativity Will Save our Planet. Speakers include Sasan Saeidi, CEO of Wunderman Thomson in New York and Global Client Lead on Coca Cola; Melanie D’Souza, Executive Director of Destination Marketing at The Royal Commission of AlUla and Dr Saeed Alhassan, professor in the chemical engineering department at Khalifa University; and Founder and CTO of Manhat.
To become a member of The Marketing Society and find out more information about the Sustainability Squad, visit https://www.marketingsociety.com/region/uae
