In this enlightening episode of The Ethical Futurists Podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns interview Muna Merghani, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid, development management, and corporate sustainability. Muna discusses her journey from tech to social development, her role in establishing and leading the corporate sustainability and social impact department at Haggar Group, and her passion for mentoring new startups. They delve into the complexities of carbon trading, ESG legislation, and the importance of authentic sustainability practices in the private sector. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• The creation and implementation of the "complete returns" metric at Haggar Group.
• The challenges and benefits of carbon trading and how it relates to corporate sustainability.
• The importance of ESG legislation and the need for genuine implementation beyond just compliance.
• Muna’s perspective on developing context-specific sustainability policies.
• The critical role of training and education in fostering a deeper understanding of ESG.

Quotes:

• "We need to make sustainability a cross-cutting issue embedded within companies." - Muna Merghani
• "It's not just about reporting; it's about understanding and implementing genuine sustainability practices." - Muna Merghani
• "Do no harm and live peacefully." - Muna Merghani

Timestamps:

• [0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

  • Overview of the podcast’s focus on sustainability, ethics, and future trends.

• [1:46] Advertisement: MENA Speakers

  • Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers.

• [2:31] Guest Introduction: Muna Merghani

  • Introduction of Muna Merghani, her background, and her roles at Haggar Group.

• [2:57] Current Focus and Recent Changes

  • Muna discusses her recent move to Dubai and current focus on training youth in sustainability and ESG.

• [4:11] Journey into Sustainability

  • Muna shares her transition from computer science to humanitarian aid and development, and eventually to corporate sustainability.

• [5:41] Top Accomplishments at Haggar Group

  • Establishing the sustainability department, developing the "complete returns" metric, and engaging in carbon trading.

• [8:12] Understanding Carbon Trading

  • Explanation of carbon credits, their implementation, and the impact on private enterprises.

• [11:13] ESG Legislation and Self-Governance

  • Muna's insights on ESG legislation, self-governance, and the importance of genuine sustainability practices.

• [16:23] Importance of Training in ESG

  • The need for training to move beyond compliance and ensure proper understanding and implementation of ESG.

• [17:08] Aha Moments in Sustainability

  • Muna's experiences and realizations while developing sustainability policies and practices at Haggar Group.

• [18:44] Quickfire Round: Book Recommendation

  • Muna recommends "Unbowed" by Wangari Maathai, highlighting the impact of one person's perseverance in tackling environmental issues.

• [20:21] Podcast and Influencer Recommendations

  • Muna follows sustainability practitioners like Jehan Hyde and finds valuable content on LinkedIn.

• [21:14] Essential Tools and Resources

  • Muna mentions LinkedIn as a key resource for staying updated on ESG and sustainability.

• [21:45] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future

  • Muna shares her hopes for a future with peace, justice, and freedom, led by ethical and responsible leaders.

• [22:55] How to Connect with Muna

  • Muna primarily uses LinkedIn for professional connections and updates.

Contact Information:

• LinkedIn: Muna Merghani

Sponsors:

• MENA Speakers: mena-speakers.com

Additional Links:

• Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

In this episode of The Ethical Futurist podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns talk with David Auriau, CEO and co-founder of Positive Zero. The discussion explores the cutting-edge strategies and technologies Positive Zero employs to help industries, businesses, and communities achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and operating costs. David shares insights on the company’s three verticals: distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility, and their innovative 'decarbonisation as a service' model. This episode delves into the importance of long-term sustainability roadmaps, the role of AI in energy management, and the transformative impact of renewable energy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Decarbonisation as a Service: How Positive Zero offers fully financed solutions with no upfront costs for clients.

2. Three Vertical Approach: Distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility as core pillars of Positive Zero's strategy.

3. Strategic Partnerships: The significance of the $400 million investment from Blackrock in supporting Positive Zero’s expansion and innovation.

4. Solar and Cooling Solutions: The potential of solar applications and the innovative cooling as a service model to enhance energy efficiency.

5. Sustainability Leadership: The importance of leadership and long-term vision in driving sustainability initiatives in the Middle East.

6. Energy Efficiency Market: The challenges and opportunities in the energy efficiency market and the need for simpler, scalable solutions.

Quotes:

1. "We are experiencing an energy revolution that has the potential to improve our lives while having positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society." - David Auriau

2. "Energy efficiency should be the biggest market, but it's not, because there are frictions in the system." - David Auriau

3. "Our job is to take the complexity out of it, so people don't have to worry." - David Auriau

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 1:46 - Introduction of David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero

3. 2:53 - Focus on decarbonisation and fully financed solutions

4. 3:15 - Three verticals of Positive Zero’s business: distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility

5. 4:53 - Decarbonisation as a service model and its benefits

6. 6:05 - Top three accomplishments of Positive Zero under David Auriau’s leadership

7. 8:07 - Expansion in renewable energy and $400 million investment from Blackrock

8. 8:26 - Ideal clients for Positive Zero and their sustainability journey

9. 11:59 - The importance of data and long-term perspective in sustainability

10. 14:18 - Solar applications and the shift from fossil fuels

11. 16:20 - Cooling as a service model and its potential

12. 19:54 - Addressing the complexity of energy efficiency

13. 22:12 - Challenges in ensuring speed and scale in the business

14. 23:39 - Simplification as a key to growth

15. 24:04 - Key takeaway: the energy revolution and its positive impacts

16. 24:46 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable future

17. 26:42 - How to connect with Positive Zero and David Auriau

For more insights and to connect with David Auriau, visit Positive Zero on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. https://www.positivezero.com/ To explore more about The Ethical Futurists, visit theethicalfuturist.com.

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In this episode of The Ethical Futurist podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in an insightful conversation with Hande Akdede Erbay, the market leader for IBM Sustainability Software in the Middle East and Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Hande shares her expertise on sustainability, ESG, and the pivotal role of AI and data in driving sustainable initiatives. This episode covers the essential elements of building a sustainable future, IBM’s significant projects, and the personal journey that fuels Hande's passion for creating positive societal impact through technology.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating AI into Sustainability: IBM’s use of AI to accelerate sustainability journeys and manage large-scale environmental data.

2. IBM Sustainability Accelerator: A social impact program dedicated to enhancing nonprofit and government initiatives with advanced technologies.

3. Skill Building for Sustainability: The importance of equipping individuals with green skills through platforms like IBM SkillBuild.

4. Economic Impact of Sustainability: How sustainable practices can reduce costs, increase brand value, and attract investments.

5. Customized Sustainability Roadmaps: The need for industry-specific strategies to address carbon emissions effectively.

6. Holistic Approach to Sustainability: The critical role of comprehensive, data-driven strategies in achieving sustainability goals.

Quotes:

1. "Sustainability starts as an ethical discussion but quickly becomes an economic discussion." - Hande Akdede Erbay

2. "Without data and AI, sustainability is not actionable, not trackable, not achievable." - Hande Akdede Erbay

3. "I dream of a world that produces and consumes respectfully, ensuring no one is left behind." - Hande Akdede Erbay

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 1:16 - Overview of topics covered in the podcast

3. 3:03 - Hande Akdede Erbay’s introduction and background

4. 3:14 - Current trends and importance of sustainability

5. 4:08 - IBM’s accomplishments in sustainability

6. 5:56 - Building a sustainability roadmap for organizations

7. 8:10 - The role of IBM SkillBuild in developing green skills

8. 10:33 - Multi-dimensional challenges in sustainability

9. 11:56 - The hardest part of Hande’s job

10. 13:52 - Personal sustainability journey and aha moments

11. 15:39 - Recommended resources for sustainability

12. 17:17 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable world

13. 17:54 - How to connect with IBM and Hande Akdede Erbay

For more details and to connect with Hande Akdede Erbay, visit IBM or follow her on LinkedIn. To explore more about The Ethical Futurists, visit theethicalfuturist.com.

In this episode of The Ethical Futurists podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in a compelling conversation with Daniel Gribbin, the sustainability and climate growth lead at Deloitte Middle East. Daniel shares his extensive experience in ESG advisory, touching on key aspects of sustainability, regulatory requirements, and practical strategies for businesses to adopt. He highlights the advancements and challenges in the MENA region and discusses his career milestones, offering listeners valuable insights into the future of sustainable business practices. Episode links and transcript at https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/

Key Takeaways:

1. Regional Sustainability Progress: The MENA region is rapidly catching up with global standards in sustainability, driven by increasing corporate and governmental initiatives.

2. Corporate Strategy: The importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies, from executive decisions to operational practices.

3. Regulatory Environment: Overview of current and upcoming regulatory requirements in the Middle East, and their implications for businesses.

4. Behavioral Change: The critical role of behavioral change in achieving sustainable goals within organizations.

5. Innovative Solutions: Introduction to Deloitte’s digital tools, like the Green Light solution, that help companies manage and reduce their carbon footprint.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "The biggest challenges we've often faced is the mismatch in expectations and levels of awareness." - Daniel Gribbin

2. "For companies, it's really important to think strategically about sustainability and link it with their corporate strategic position." - Daniel Gribbin

3. "Our role as consultants is to make ourselves obsolete by embedding sustainability into the DNA of organizations." - Daniel Gribbin

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 0:41 - Overview of podcast topics

3. 1:46 - Introduction of Daniel Gribbin

4. 2:55 - Daniel Gribbin discusses current focus and activities

5. 4:14 - Top three career accomplishments

6. 8:14 - Regulatory requirements in the Middle East

7. 12:57 - Implementing sustainability programs in companies

8. 15:27 - Disclosure requirements in the region

9. 17:19 - Hardest part of the job and regional differences

10. 17:28 - Key aha moment in Daniel’s sustainability journey

11. 19:05 - Book recommendations and favorite podcasts

12. 20:04 - The meaning of sustainability and future vision

13. 23:14 - Final thoughts and where to find more information

For more information about booking James Taylor and Alison Burns for your next event, visit The Ethical Futurists Speaking Page. https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

Subscribe & Follow:

Don't forget to subscribe to The Ethical Futurists podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a five-star rating and review. Thank you for your support!

In this episode of The Ethical Futurists podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns welcome Hassan Habib, a pioneering futurist and investment advisor with expertise in artificial intelligence and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Hassan shares his insights on the future of sustainability, the impact of ESG investments, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy and clean technology. Listen in to discover how industries are adapting to new sustainability standards and what this means for the future of ethical investing and environmental stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Evolution of Sustainability:

2. Post-pandemic shifts in priorities towards ESG and sustainability.

3. The importance of sustainable infrastructure in enabling widespread adoption of EVs (Electric Vehicles).

4. Understanding ESG Investments:

5. Distinctions between responsible investing, sustainable investing, and impact investing.

6. Data suggesting ESG investments offer lower risk and comparable returns to non-ESG investments.

7. Challenges and Misconceptions:

8. Addressing common misconceptions about ESG investments and their returns.

9. The necessity of standardized reporting for ESG metrics.

10. Practical Steps Towards Sustainability:

11. The role of infrastructure and convenience in promoting sustainable choices.

12. The significance of consumer awareness and informed decision-making in driving industry change.

Quotes:

1. "Sustainability begins with mindset and should be seen as a culture rather than a product you can enter or exit." - Hassan Habib

2. "Money can be a medium of exchange, but it can also be a medium of change." - Hassan Habib

3. "Awareness in a lot of people changes choices, and that's where we can bring a great difference." - Hassan Habib

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - 1:16: Introduction to the Ethical Futurists podcast.

2. 1:16 - 2:43: Introduction of Hassan Habib and his role in ESG and AI.

3. 2:43 - 4:42: Discussion on post-pandemic shifts in sustainability priorities.

4. 4:42 - 7:07: Insights into the infrastructure of EV charging stations in the UAE.

5. 7:07 - 9:54: Challenges of EV adoption in apartment living versus villas.

6. 9:54 - 13:25: Explanation of responsible, sustainable, and impact investing.

7. 13:25 - 16:35: Shifts in investment trends post-pandemic and their implications.

8. 16:35 - 19:55: Standardization and reporting challenges in ESG investments.

9. 19:55 - 24:45: Addressing misconceptions and the role of consumer awareness.

10. 24:45 - 27:57: Quickfire questions - recommended books and resources on sustainability.

11. 27:57 - 28:42: Where to find more information about Hassan Habib.

12. 28:42 - End: Conclusion and call to action for listeners.

In this insightful episode of The Ethical Futurists Podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage with Bryanne Tait, Global Senior Director of Sustainability at Jumeirah. They explore the challenges and strategies of integrating sustainability into luxury hospitality, covering topics like net zero goals, sustainable food and beverage practices, water scarcity, and the importance of customer education. Bryanne shares her journey from the energy sector to hospitality and provides a fresh perspective on how luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Full episode and resources at https://link.chtbl.com/tef

Key Takeaways:

• The ambitious net zero goals set by Dubai Holding and the strategies Jumeirah is employing to achieve them by 2050.
• The importance of eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable food and beverage practices in the hospitality industry.
• How customer demand is shifting towards more plant-based options and the role of innovation in meeting these needs.
• Insights into how luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and how they can complement each other.
• The significance of guest experiences in driving sustainable practices and the role of customer education in this process.

Timestamps

• [0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns Overview of the podcast’s focus on sustainability and ethics.
• [1:46] Advertisement: MENA Speakers Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers.
• [2:31] Guest Introduction: Bryanne Tait Introduction of Bryanne Tait, her role at Jumeirah, and her background in sustainability and energy.
• [2:38] Current Focus and Net Zero Goals Bryanne discusses the key focus areas in Jumeirah’s sustainability efforts, including net zero goals and the challenges involved.
• [4:28] Journey to Jumeirah and Background in Energy Bryanne shares her career journey from the energy sector to hospitality and how her diverse experiences contribute to her current role.
• [6:38] Insights from the Inside: Complexities of Hospitality Operations Bryanne highlights the complexities behind the scenes in the hospitality industry, including supply chain management and sustainable sourcing.
• [9:04] Shift Towards Plant-Based Options Discussion on the growing demand for plant-based options and how Jumeirah is adapting to this trend.
• [11:35] Bridging Luxury and Sustainability Exploring how luxury and sustainability can coexist and the shifting demographics demanding sustainable luxury experiences.
• [13:43] The Role of Guest Experience The importance of guest experiences in promoting sustainability and maintaining luxury standards.
•  [15:41] Subtle Changes in Luxury Practices Examples of how Jumeirah integrates sustainability into luxury, such as eliminating plastic bottles and using refillable water bottles.
• [17:59] The Importance of Upholding Luxury Standards Ensuring that sustainability efforts do not compromise the luxury guest experience.
• [18:48] Addressing Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Discussion on the importance of tracking and reducing emissions across all scopes and the role of client accountability.
• [20:53] Book Recommendation: "No Logo" by Naomi Klein Bryanne recommends "No Logo" for its eye-opening insights into consumerism and corporate responsibility.
• [22:06] Netflix Show Recommendation: "Eating Our Way to Extinction" Bryanne suggests watching "Eating Our Way to Extinction" for its impactful message on food systems and sustainability.
• [22:48] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future Bryanne shares her hopes for a future where sustainability is embedded in everyday decision-making and purchasing power.
• [25:28] How to Learn More About Jumeirah and Connect with Bryanne Information on where to find more about Jumeirah’s sustainability efforts and how to connect with Bryanne on LinkedIn.

LINKS:

Jumeirah Website: www.Jumeirah.com 

Sponsors: MENA Speakers: www.mena-speakers.com

Additional Links: Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: www.theethicalfuturists.com/speaking 

In this episode, James and Alison interview Edward Hamod, CEO and founder of Switch Foods. They discuss the innovations in plant-based meat alternatives, the challenges of launching a food tech startup, and the importance of sustainability in the food industry. Edward shares insights on the company's journey, the reception of their products in the market, and the future of plant-based foods.

Full transcript and links: https://theethicalfuturists.com/edward-hamod

Timestamps:

[0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns Introduction to the podcast and its focus on sustainability and ethics.

[0:41] Podcast Overview Topics covered include renewable energy, clean tech, ethical investing, food systems, and more.

[1:47] Advertisement: MENA Speakers Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers.

[2:30] Guest Introduction: Edward Hamod James introduces Edward Hamod, CEO and founder of Switch Foods, highlighting his background and the mission of Switch Foods.

[2:58] Edward Hamod's Current Focus Edward discusses the launch of Switch Foods in various markets and the development of new plant-based products.

[4:24] Top Accomplishments of Switch Foods Edward credits the team's efforts in innovating plant-based foods tailored to Middle Eastern tastes and ensuring a clean label product.

[6:57] Convincing Stakeholders to Switch to Plant-Based Edward explains the different propositions for airlines, restaurants, and hotel groups to adopt plant-based options, focusing on sustainability and local sourcing.

[12:16] Collaboration with Al Safadi Restaurant Discussion on the successful integration of Switch Foods products into Al Safadi's menu and the positive reception from customers.

[14:31] Changing the Narrative Around Meat Consumption Edward talks about the challenges of changing long-established beliefs about meat and the importance of education and government policies.

[18:38] Key Aha Moments in Switch Foods' Journey Edward shares insights on the continuous learning and innovation process within Switch Foods.

[20:55] Quickfire Round: Book Recommendation Edward recommends "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan for insights into food consumption and sustainability.

[21:52] Quickfire Round: Podcast/Film Recommendation Edward recommends "The Changemakers" on Netflix for its coverage of plant-based diets.

[22:13] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future Edward emphasizes the importance of mindful food choices and projecting personal values through diet.

[25:03] How to Learn More About Switch Foods Information on visiting the Switch Foods website and following them on social media for updates.

[26:08] Outro and Call to Action James and Alison thank Edward for his insights and encourage listeners to subscribe and leave a review.

Switch Foods Website: Switchfoods.com

Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

Full transcript at https://theethicalfuturists.com/edward-hamod 

In this episode of The Ethical Futurists, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns sit down with Marian Fletcher, a leading expert in sustainability and climate education in the Middle East. Marian shares her journey from management consulting to founding The Climate Club, a social enterprise dedicated to climate literacy and marine conservation. Tune in to learn about the importance of carbon literacy, the challenges and rewards of working with businesses on sustainability initiatives, and how individuals can make a significant impact in their communities.

Show Notes:

1. 0:00 - Introduction: James Taylor and Alison Burns introduce the podcast and today's guest, Marian Fletcher.

2. 1:47 - Guest Introduction: Marian Fletcher's background and her roles with various organizations including the UN, ILO, and World Economic Forum.

3. 3:35 - Current Focus: Marian discusses her current projects with The Climate Club and her consulting work in the Middle East.

4. 4:22 - Top Accomplishments: Marian highlights her achievements in building a framework for just transition in the GCC.

5. 5:23 - Marine Conservation Passion: Marian shares her passion for marine conservation and her work with Sea Shepherd and Azraq.

6. 6:39 - UAE's First Carbon Literacy Course: The purpose and target audience for the carbon literacy course Marian developed.

7. 8:09 - Varied Audience: Discussing the diverse audience for climate education, from schools to businesses.

8. 8:49 - The Climate Club: The inspiration behind The Climate Club and its various community events like Climate Coffee Club and Conscious Cocktails.

9. 9:43 - Challenges in Sustainability Consulting: The difficulty of ensuring businesses focus on education and solid ESG strategies before jumping to communication.

10. 11:08 - AI and Data in Sustainability: James and Marian discuss the role of AI and data in achieving sustainability goals.

11. 11:49 - Climate Anxiety and Empowerment: Addressing climate anxiety by empowering individuals to make a difference in their roles.

12. 13:01 - Book Promotion: Promotion for Julie Lewis's book "Uncharted Waters."

13. 13:37 - Aha Moments: Marian shares key moments in her sustainability journey and the growth of The Climate Club.

14. 14:40 - Vision for The Climate Club: Discussing the potential for international chapters and expansion in the GCC.

15. 15:18 - Quick Fire Round:

16. 15:29 - Book Recommendation: "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" by Bill Gates and "Climate War" by Michael E. Mann.

17. 16:37 - Perspectives on Legal Cases: Discussing the significance of recent legal cases related to climate change.

18. 17:17 - Podcast Recommendation: Steven Bartlett's "The Diary of a CEO" and "My First Million."

19. 18:09 - Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future: Marian's vision of an inclusive world where everyone plays a role in sustainability.

20. 18:45 - Connect with Marian: Information on how to connect with Marian and learn more about her work.

Timecodes:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 1:47 - Guest introduction: Marian Fletcher

3. 3:35 - Marian’s current focus: The Climate Club and consulting

4. 4:22 - Top accomplishments in sustainability

5. 5:23 - Passion for marine conservation

6. 6:39 - UAE's first carbon literacy course

7. 8:09 - Audience for climate education

8. 8:49 - The Climate Club's community events

9. 9:43 - Challenges in sustainability consulting

10. 11:08 - AI and data in sustainability

11. 11:49 - Addressing climate anxiety

12. 13:01 - Book promotion: "Uncharted Waters" by Julie Lewis

13. 13:37 - Key aha moments in sustainability journey

14. 14:40 - Vision for The Climate Club's expansion

15. 15:18 - Quick fire round: book and podcast recommendations

16. 18:09 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable future

17. 18:45 - How to connect with Marian Fletcher

Join hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns on this episode of The Ethical Futurists as they engage with Omar Saif, a multidisciplinary professional driving sustainability and decarbonisation in the Middle East. Omar shares insights from his work at COP28, discusses the importance of climate tech in emerging markets, and explores innovative approaches to building climate-resilient infrastructure. Discover how the latest advancements in sustainability, ethical investing, and climate tech are shaping a more ethical and sustainable future.

Transcript and links at https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/omar-saif

Show Notes:

1. 0:00 - Introduction: James Taylor and Alison Burns introduce the podcast and the themes of sustainability and ethics.

2. 0:41 - Overview of Topics: Omar Saif and James Taylor discuss the range of topics covered, including renewable energy, Clean Tech, ethical investing, and food systems.

3. 1:46 - Guest Introduction: Omar Saif is introduced, highlighting his background and current role at COP28.

4. 3:03 - Current Focus: Omar talks about the legacy projects from COP28 and ongoing efforts in climate tech deployment.

5. 4:01 - Legacy of COP28: The importance of embedding legacy into COP events and engaging with various stakeholders.

6. 6:14 - Innovate for Climate Tech Initiative: Omar explains the initiative to support climate tech in emerging markets, starting with Abu Dhabi.

7. 8:13 - Personal Journey: Omar shares his journey to working at COP28 and his previous roles in sustainability and decarbonisation.

8. 10:46 - Key Accomplishments: Omar reflects on the significant achievements at COP28, including engaging diverse communities and launching the climate action agenda.

9. 12:47 - Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Discussion on the need for localized adaptation solutions in the Global South.

10. 14:16 - Decentralized Solutions: The role of decentralized approaches in addressing power and water needs in developing regions.

11. 16:54 - Innovative Business Models: The importance of tailoring business models to local markets for effective climate tech deployment.

12. 18:17 - Food Security and Livestock: Omar's vision for food security and the role of livestock in sustainable agriculture.

13. 21:39 - Alternative Proteins: Insights into the potential of alternative proteins and innovative food production technologies.

14. 24:05 - Aha Moments: Omar shares a key realization about promoting SMEs and innovative business approaches in the Gulf region.

15. 27:24 - Quick Fire Round: Omar recommends a book, a podcast, and a productivity tool that he finds indispensable.

16. 31:02 - Vision for the Future: Omar's vision for an ethical and sustainable future, emphasizing balance and community-oriented living.

17. 33:04 - Connect with Omar: Information on how to learn more about Omar's work and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Transcript and links at https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/omar-saif

Join hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns as they welcome Raya Makawi, a leading sustainability expert in the Middle East and Africa. In this episode, Raya shares insights from her work at 3M, discusses the importance of education and innovation in driving sustainability, and highlights the significance of the circular economy. Discover how 3M’s initiatives, such as the Sustainability Value Commitment and collaborations on carbon capture, are making a global impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creating a more ethical and sustainable future.

Show Notes:

1. 0:00 - Introduction: James Taylor and Alison Burns introduce the podcast and today's guest, Raya Makawi.

2. 1:27 - Guest Introduction: Raya Makawi’s background and her role at 3M in leading sustainability efforts in the Middle East and Africa.

3. 2:48 - Current Focus: Raya discusses her current projects, including Earth Week and stakeholder engagement at 3M.

4. 5:36 - Getting into Sustainability: Raya shares her journey into sustainability and her top accomplishments at 3M.

5. 8:19 - Importance of Education: The role of education and continuous learning in sustainability.

6. 10:04 - STEM Education: Raya’s involvement in STEM education and the partnership with Malala Fund.

7. 11:49 - Carbon Capture Collaboration: Explanation of 3M’s collaboration with Svante on direct air capture and its significance.

8. 14:41 - Science for Community: Raya’s experience in Argentina with the 3M Global Impact Program.

9. 15:39 - Circular Economy: Discussion on 3M’s approach to the circular economy and the importance of responsible manufacturing.

10. 18:45 - Sustainability Value Commitment: Raya explains 3M’s Sustainability Value Commitment and its impact on product innovation.

11. 21:51 - Youth Engagement: The importance of engaging and educating the next generation for a sustainable future.

12. 25:03 - Vision for the Future: Raya’s vision for an ethical and sustainable future and the role of values and continuous education.

13. 25:45 - Connect with Raya: Information on how to learn more about 3M’s sustainability work and connect with Raya.