Environment

Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) Chairperson Habiba Al Mar’ashi has been appointed Vice Chair of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), marking the first time an Arab has held this prestigious position. This announcement was made at the WorldGBC Leadership Summit 2024, recently held in London.

As Co-founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), Al Mar’ashi attended the summit to engage with global leaders, discuss the latest trends and policies, and share best practices in sustainable urban development. Her election as Vice Chair is a recognition of her significant contributions and leadership in promoting sustainable building practices in the UAE.

Al Mar’ashi expressed her gratitude, stating, "I’m extremely honored to take on the role of Vice Chair of the World Green Building Council. As the first Arab to be elected to this prestigious position, I will strive to engage with global stakeholders to champion actionable change in the built environment. With UAE’s wise leadership committed to achieving a green economy, we are well-positioned to lead the world’s sustainable mission, and I look forward to fulfilling my duty with honor and dedication."

In her new role, Al Mar’ashi will work with the WorldGBC Board of Directors to connect global ambition with local action, empower changemakers, provide guidance to finance actors, and inspire policymakers. The summit also introduced a refreshed brand image and a strategic multi-year plan aimed at scaling successful projects and driving impactful actions toward achieving ambitious goals for 2030 and beyond.

Al Mar’ashi attended the launch of the book “Financing Transformation: A Guide to Green Building for Green Bonds and Green Loans” at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. As Co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), Al Mar’ashi led EEG to become the first environmental NGO globally to receive ISO 14001 certification. She co-founded EmiratesGBC in 2006 and serves as its Vice Chair and Treasurer.

She holds several leadership roles in global organizations, including board member of the UN Global Compact, member of the Global Reporting Initiative Stakeholder Council, and Vice Chair of the Global Urban Development and Patronage Committee member of myclimate. Al Mar’ashi’s enduring commitment to sustainable development is further highlighted by her role in the Sustainability Experts Network of the Year of Sustainability in the UAE.

Al Mar’ashi is recognized as a trailblazer in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and she continues to inspire and motivate on topics related to sustainability, corporate responsibility, youth and women empowerment, leadership, and social justice for women.

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