Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and published author, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan has extended her patronage as Honorary President of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices.

A graduate of the University of Cambridge, holding a Masters degree in Sustainability Leadership, Sheikha Shamma is a well-respected industry expert on sustainability led by her business and academic endeavours in the field. The CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability and Founder of the Circle of Hope Foundation, Sheikha Shamma will advise and provide guidance to EmiratesGBC to further advance its goal of promoting sustainable built environments, and contributing to the green vision of the nation.

Sheikha Shamma cites her great-grandfather, the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a source of inspiration, and credits his vision as the reason why she places immense importance on sustainability, philanthropy, and gender equality.

Announcing her association with EmiratesGBC as Honorary President, Sheikha Shamma, CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, said: “I have had the honour of working with the Emirates Green Building Council and engaging with its vibrant community at a number of flagship events over the past year. We share the same ethos, particularly with regards to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through greater collaboration, and I am looking forward to playing a more active role in the EGBC, as we make innovation a priority in the green building space. Together, I believe we can successfully realise our shared vision to increase the number of net-zero energy buildings in the UAE and transition towards a circular economy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Following her association with EmiratesGBC, Sheikha Shamma hosted a meeting with the EmiratesGBC management committee to discuss collaboration, raising awareness and strengthening sustainability initiatives that will help to further promote the sustainable goals of the UAE.

His Excellency Ali Al Jassim, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “We are honoured to welcome HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as the Honorary President of EmiratesGBC, and look forward to her informed insights that will strengthen our role as the champion of sustainable built environments. With her committed role in advancing sustainability best practices, Sheikha Shamma brings a wealth of knowledge in addition to her passion for positive change that inspires us all. With the UAE marching ‘Towards the Next 50’ to be among the best nations in the world, her guidance will bring tremendous benefits for EmiratesGBC, as we too partner in the ‘Year of Preparation’ with our focus on supporting the UAE to achieve net zero buildings by 2050.”

Sheikha Shamma has earlier addressed EmiratesGBC’s Annual MENA Green Building Awards, where she underlined the role of the organisation in promoting innovation and tangible action to achieve more sustainable built environments in the UAE. Alliances for Global Sustainability, the organisation she founded and leads as CEO, identifies, develops and invests in high-performing ventures and provides advisory services for global sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognition for Sheikha Shamma’s valuable work has resulted in her being awarded the position of Research Associate at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Zayed University, and she sits on the Industry and Academic Advisory Board of the Academy of International Business MENA.

Sheikha Shamma is also widely recognised for her contributions in the philanthropic and social responsibility sphere. From a very early age, Sheikha Shamma was socially conscious and has for many years taken an active role in community development, by launching non-profit organisations and initiatives. Through her actions, Sheikha Shamma aspires to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy lives on and that his vision continues to create a positive impact globally.

With a total membership of over 170, EmiratesGBC rolls out a suite of activities such as networking events, technical workshops and trainings in order to push sustainability in the UAE and the wider Middle East.