In line with the UAE’s Green Economy vision and company-wide sustainability efforts, du has organised its first Waste Management Forum, which took place recently at du headquarters in Dubai Media City.

Government entities, HSE practitioners, NGO’s and other key stakeholders were invited to come together and discuss current waste management strategies and best practices to promote more environmentally friendly solutions in the region.

"At du, we take our environmental efforts very seriously, and we encourage projects like this that help us consistently improve our approaches to handling pressing issues regarding environmental sustainability. We strive to continually improve our sustainable operations and we believe it is extremely relevant to address the issue of e-waste, not just as an individual entity but with the collaboration of our business partners and relevant stakeholders" said Abdulhadi Alalyak, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services at du.

The forum included an open session in which all waste vendors, NGOs, and key stakeholders in the telecommunications industry that produce electronic waste were invited to create awareness and formulate solutions to support the UAE's waste management strategy. Discussion points included challenges faced by cities and governments due to improper and unsegregated waste and e-waste dumping at landfills, the impact of unsegregated and e-waste dumping on the environment, especially locally, the measures the government, NGOs, and waste recycling companies are taking to improve the situation, and the role of organisations and stakeholders in supporting the government’s commitment to proper waste management.