The Mentors attended a number of high-level meetings in Dubai during their stay. They were part of an exclusive group of five international sustainable organizations invited by Swiss Impact Investment, managed by Ben and Svetlana Banerjee, to participate in H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Duaij Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa’s Conference on “Honoring the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) Principal Family Offices” on March 9 and 10, 2023.

As follow up to the conference, His Excellency’s office initiated a two week “Roadshow” consisting of one-on-one meetings with Family Offices and leaders throughout the UAE and MENA in an effort to promote sustainable development and climate action. The first round of meetings were initiated with the POP Movement’s mentors in March 2023. Phase II of the “Roadshow” will continue in May 2023.

Dr. Saroj Pachauri, Dr. Norma Patricia, and Dr. Ash Pachauri met with numerous stakeholders, partners, and leaders at the conference and subsequently after March 10, 2023. Their meetings prominently included interactions with Mr. Khalid Matar Al Mannaei, CEO, Ministry of State and United Arab Emirates Vice President’s Office for Political Affairs and Mr. Karim Shaik, Senior Specialist, Information Technology together with POP Movement’s friend and family member, Mr. Sarfaraz Kazi.

Drs. Pachauri and Dr. Sevilla also met with Tatiana Veller, Managing Director, Stirling Hospitality Advisors; Moh Belkhodja, Head of Investments & Special Projects, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Dr. Sami Carouba, Chief Executive Officer, Strategist, Family Office and President, Rotary Club of Dubai; and Taner Topcu, Strategic Partnerships and Director of Operations, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) to explore collaboration with and contribution to sustainability initiatives and climate action in the MENA region, and specifically, to UAE and Saudi Arabia’s vision to achieve a safe and sustainable future for all.

Several additional and follow-up meetings will be organized by the leadership of H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Duaij Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa’s Office and Swiss Impact Investment and engagement of POP Movement’s partners, including the Parvati Foundation, Canada, and the UK in May 2023.

They discussed the importance of creating a shift in hearts and minds for real climate leadership to succeed. We have a small window of opportunity to achieve our goals to Protect Our Planet. Time is of the essence.

They talked about sustainability leadership within the MENA region and how best practices and models that emerge from the region will be key to inspiring change globally.

We discussed the importance of climate education among youth to create the much needed action and ground swell to propel a global movement. We explored opportunities to collaborate and partner. The Harmony Project and POP Movement are very synchronized in their goals and efforts.

We discussed His Excellency’s leadership and the urgent need for the POP Movement and WSDF to partner with H.E.’s Office and key stakeholders within the MENA region to achieve the much needed change in behaviors and practices. We discussed the role of His Excellency’s Office in propelling the POP Movement’s activities in the MENA region

They discussed issues of food security and desertification in Saudi Arabia and how rice cultivation (e.g., Basmati quality rice production), technology transfer, and knowledge exchange may be conducted. A partnership is being explored.

They discussed collaboration with Mr. Khalid and his office. The support and leadership he could provide and the lessons learned already from UAE’s sustainability action and leadership. A partnership was discussed and next steps planned.

Above, Interactions with Mr. Khalid Matar Al Mannaei, CEO, Ministry of State and United Arab Emirates Vice President’s Office for Political Affairs and Mr. Karim Shaik, Senior Specialist, Information Technology together with POP Movement’s friend and family member, Ms. Sarfaraz Kazi.