PureHealth becomes first MENA institution to join the Race to Zero initiative

UAE – In a first-of-its-kind move in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, PureHealth has joined the United Nations-backed Race to Zero initiative.

By embracing the Race to Zero initiative, PureHealth marks a pivotal moment in its commitment to realizing Net Zero, signifying the group’s dedication to a sustainable future.

The signing ceremony for PureHealth’s new membership was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

In a press statement, HE Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “We will work closely with both entities to enhance climate action in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is one of our main strategic priorities.”

By advancing the science of longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.

PureHealth is actively integrating innovative solutions as it steers toward its vision of Healthcare in the Cloud ecosystem and empowering decentralized care.

Furthermore, by harnessing the potential of IoT-based solutions, the company effectively monitors and optimizes energy consumption across its operational landscape.

The company has significant assets in the UAE including the National Health Insurance Company (Daman), PureLab, Rafed, National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center.

Welcoming PureHealth to Race to Zero, HE Razan Al Mubarak, UN High-Level Climate Champion for COP28, said: “By joining the initiative, PureHealth is stepping up as a leader and beacon to inspire the health care sector in the UAE and the Middle East to join their journey towards a net zero and resilient future.”

By joining the UN-backed Race to Zero Initiative, PureHealth will play a crucial role in addressing climate change in the regional healthcare sector.

Healthcare sustainability

This significant step stands as a testament to the company’s relentless efforts to integrate sustainability and climate action into its endeavors.

The landmark decision comes shortly after the largest-ever alliance outside of national governments committed to halving global emissions by 2030 and delivering a zero-carbon world in line with the Paris Agreement.

Guided by the High-Level Champions for Climate Action, Race to Zero is one of the pioneering global initiatives by the United Nations.

As of September 2022, the United Nations-backed Race to Zero initiative on Climate Change boasts an impressive coalition, uniting 11,309 non-state actors.

In his address, Farhan Malik, Managing Director, and Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, said: “Accelerating climate action is central to our strategy, recognizing the impact of climate change on people’s health and promoting a new model of care through sustainable digital methods.”

PureHealth’s bold move to connect with the Race to Zero Initiative resonates strongly with the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to the recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).

In particular, this move is in harmony with the objectives of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive five-year Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy.

EAD’s five-year plan will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s environmental resilience, promising significant progress towards achieving full climate neutrality, aligning with the UAE leadership’s vision.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy will focus on two pillars, including mitigation to reduce climate emissions while maintaining economic growth.

The other pillar is adaptation, which aims to enhance the resilience and agility of key economic sectors against climate risks.

Laying out his ambitions, Farhan Malik reflected: “As the largest healthcare group in the region, our significant move to align goals with the Race to Zero will amplify decarbonization efforts and act as a catalyst for others to follow suit.”

In a concerted drive to minimize its environmental impact, PureHealth is propelling its endeavors to reduce its carbon footprint.

The UAE Group has a resolute goal to transition its operations entirely to renewable energy sources by 2027 and to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, aligning with the Race to Zero initiative.

PureHealth’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040 harmoniously supplements its overarching strategy to revolutionize the healthcare sector through cutting-edge technology.

PureHealth joins the GGHH movement

Moreover, PureHealth is a member of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH), an international network of hospitals, healthcare facilities, health systems, and health organizations.

The worldwide community is dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint and promoting public and environmental health.

For his part, Nick Thorp, GGHH Network Director, Health Care Without Harm, said: “By joining the initiative and making these ambitious commitments, PureHealth is stepping up as a leader in the UAE and the MENA region.”

Nick Thorp highlighted that the assets of PureHealth are creating innovative climate-smart healthcare solutions and serving as a beacon to transform the sector.

As a GGHH member, PureHealth is the newest addition to the influential global initiative, Health Care Without Harm.

Bearing in mind that Health Care Without Harm is the official healthcare sector partner of the UN-backed Race to Zero initiative, encompasses a network of over 70 healthcare institutions. 

In addition to membership in the GGHH Network, PureHealth is the first integrated healthcare company to participate in the Healthcare Climate Challenge in the Middle East.

It aligns with the company’s mission to empower people to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives is intrinsically linked to our drive to reduce carbon emissions.

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