DNV and GORD sign MoU aimed at expanding ESG engagements in the Middle East

DNV and GORD sign MoU aimed at expanding ESG engagements in the Middle East Stepping up the efforts to catalyze climate actions and facilitate organizations to build low carbon and sustainable economies, DNV Business Assurance India Private Limited has joined hands with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) with an aim to share best practices and provide advisory services around climate change in the sustainability domain. To this end, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday, January 27 in the presence of senior leadership representing DNV and GORD.

Under the agreement, the partnering entities will assist organizations in areas related to innovative sustainable infrastructure and finance, carbon management and offsetting, climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancing transparency in disclosure, ESG strategy and digital assurance. The recent MoU signing will follow a range of joint activities aimed at exploring synergies which benefit from mutual expertise in working on sustainability and ESG engagements. 

Commenting on behalf of DNV, Mr. Percy Lakdawalla, Regional Manager for DNV Supply Chain & Product Assurance in Asia Pacific, India and the Middle East (APIME) said, “When we deliver solutions to companies at a global level, we need to first address their ESG performance which contributes to creating a sustainable future for all. “Through our association with GORD, we will help companies in the Middle East to define and shape their ESG strategies which will eventually support businesses in achieving their ambitions.” 

Mr. Paraksh Tikare, Area Manager for DNV Supply Chain & Product Assurance in India and the Middle East (IME) said, “Over the years, we have seen how ESG measures are becoming an important step in creating value for businesses. GORD has catered to multiple businesses for their sustainability needs. With our collaborative approach, businesses will be able to benefit from a much defined and trusted direction for their ESG commitments."

Speaking on the sidelines of the virtual event that marked the MoU signing, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly important for businesses and investors alike. As the region’s leading sustainability organization, GORD has developed a range of pioneering solutions that cater to the sustainability needs of businesses and their projects. DNV, at the same time, has a proven track record of providing business assurance services at global level with a focus on improving sustainability performance of organizations. Knowing the accomplishments of these two entities, I have no doubt that our collaboration will yield impactful results.” 

As with the growing threats of adverse climate change and sustainability impacts, the organizational risks are all-time high. In this context, a significant part of the joint activities will be in capacity building and facilitation on low-carbon development strategies and action plans, built environment sustainability, strategizing green finance into the green activities, stakeholders reporting and policy advisory. The target stakeholders under this MOU will be from India, Middle East & Southeast Asian countries.

ABOUT GORD: GORD, a member of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, is a non-profit organization spearheading MENA region’s sustainability milieu. Headquartered in Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD drives the transformation of societies, industries, and the built environment by influencing corporate ethos, fostering innovation, and developing capacity to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations. The organization’s key operations include R&D, standards setting, green buildings certification, accreditation services, voluntary carbon markets, performance testing, knowledge dissemination and advisory services on sustainability and climate change for governments, non-government, public and private sector organizations.