Change Maker Awards 2024: Global leaders driving sustainability and social impact celebrated in Dubai

Dubai: The Change Maker Awards 2024 concluded at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Center, solidifying Dubai's position as a global hub for sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) innovation. Hosted on January 2, 2025, the event brought together global visionaries, trailblazing corporations, and change-makers dedicated to driving sustainability, social impact, and governance excellence, according to a media release.

Organised by the ESG Research Foundation and presented in partnership with BNW Developments, the event honoured outstanding contributions in sustainability leadership, social responsibility, governance innovation, and ESG advancements, it added.

A night of innovation, impact, and inspiration

The awards evening was marked by dynamic keynote addresses, thought-provoking panel discussions, and audiovisual presentations of award winners. Distinguished guests from the worlds of business, government, and media came together, fostering collaboration and driving global ESG initiatives.

The audience was treated to a mesmerizing performance by the iconic singer Padma Shri Kailash Kher, celebrating the fusion of art, culture, and sustainability.

Keynote speakers:

●             Faris Saeed (Chairman & CEO, SEE Holdings, UAE)

●             Fadi Al-Shihabi (Partner, Sustainability Solutions Leader, KPMG Middle East LLP)

●             CA (Dr) Atul Kumar Gupta (Founder Director, ESG Research Foundation)

Guests of honour:

●             Kapil Dev (Former Indian Cricketer, Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan awardee)

●             Suresh Oberoi (Indian Film Actor and Environmental Enthusiast)

●             CA Abhay Bhutada (Vice Chairman, Rising Sun Holdings)

●             Yaqoob Al Ali (Executive Director & Private Advisor, Office of H.H. Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum, UAE)

●             Dr Mohammad S. Al Kindi (Hon. Former Minister of Environment & Water, UAE)

The event was hosted by Shibani Akhtar, a renowned producer, presenter, and singer.

Recognising global change-makers

The Change Maker Awards 2024 celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations committed to sustainability. The awardees included Kandeh Yumkella, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Alexander Das, Vijay Somani, CA Kamal Kaushik, Andreas Holmgren, Jatin Brahmecha, Medea Nocentini, Issa Al Nimer, Raman Bhatia, Vimal Singh, Sanjay Kumar Garg, Anagana Maheshwari, Amardeep Sharma, Mahendra More, Shubhendu Sharma, Ashutosh Mishra, Ricky Vasandani, Nishant Arya, Nausherwan Shah, Padma Sundar Kafle, and Abdulla Al Abdouli.

Each awardee exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication required to shape a sustainable future for generations to come, according to the media release.

Leadership insights

Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman & Founder of BNW Developments, said; "The Change Maker Awards are not just a celebration of achievements but a rallying call for global leaders to prioritize sustainability as the cornerstone of progress. Together, we can create a future that is equitable, sustainable, and innovative."

Vivek Anand Oberoi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of BNW Developments, added; "BNW Developments is committed to creating sustainable ecosystems and fostering collaborations that redefine global ESG standards. This event underscores our dedication to building a better tomorrow."

Rajesh Kr. Bhalla, CEO of ESG Research Foundation, commented; "This event brought together extraordinary individuals and organizations working tirelessly for sustainability. We are proud to have BNW Developments as a partner in this journey toward global transformation."

Jai Prakash Agarwal, Vice Chairman, ICAI Dubai Chapter, said; "Sustainability is not only compliance or reporting but rather it’s a responsibility. It’s a responsibility which we owe towards our Mother Earth and to our future generations. These kinds of awards where real heroes and change makers are acknowledged are a must in the current times because they are the torchbearers who is leading the path of sustainability and change."