CSR experts from multinational and local organizations gathered today at the 10th CSR Summit in Dubai, with one of the world's largest companies using the dedicated forum to share its latest developments in raising sustainability awareness amongst young people across the GCC. Henkel, the German headquartered company and manufacturer of popular Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care products and Adhesive Technologies is making great strides in its 2013 CSR campaign to educate more than 1,000 Gulf families about the company's sustainability targets, and how consumers can play a key role in maintaining a sustainable future for all. The multinational, which employs 47,000 people globally and markets leading household brands such as Persil, DAC , Schwarzkopf, Syoss and Loctite, is currently educating youngsters at schools and community centres across the region on how to preserve the environment, and what their contributions are to maintain sustainable habits and practices at home. Ahmed Nasser, General Manager for Laundry & Home Care for Henkel in the GCC, said that the company has connected with some 500 families so far, teaching children under the motto: ‘Educate for a more sustainable life.' “Henkel's sustainability strategy builds on its corporate values which are an integral part of its overall business strategy,” said Nasser. “At the heart of this strategy is the fact that we are not only focusing on using fewer resources, but also on creating more value – achieving more with less. Our end target in 2013 is to raise sustainability awareness across the GCC, educating 1,000 families through children by visiting schools throughout the region.” Underlining its commitment to a sustainable future, in 2010 Henkel outlined a 20-year plan to become three times more efficient by 2030, tripling the value it creates through its business activities in relation to the ecological footprint made by its products and services. Added Nasser: “For us, sustainability and business success are inseparably linked. Our sustainability strategy will contribute to the successful achievement of our strategic priorities, thus generating value for our company, employees, partners and customers.” In 2012, Henkel recorded sales of EUR16.5 billion globally, while in the Middle East and Africa, sales revenue grew by15.3 percent, reaching EUR1.077 billion. Organic sales growth was 12.6 percent, driven by double-digit growth rates in the UAE, Algeria and Egypt. The share of sales from the region also increased from six to seven percent. — SG
