The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an hosted a ‘Join The Conversation’ panel session to discuss the theme of the 7th cohort of the Ma'an Social Incubator (MSI) ‘Entrepreneurship for Social Good’.

Drawing the participation of community members, innovators, social entrepreneurs and startups, the expert-led session focused on the role of innovation and sustainable solutions in tackling social challenges in view of Green Cities, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Transport.

The session aimed to motivate and inspire community members, entrepreneurs, social startups, and the most innovative social institutions in the fields of Green Cities, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Transport to present their innovative ideas and projects to MSI’s 7th cohort.

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H.E. Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “The ‘Join The Conversation’ sessions offer an open platform to Ma’an’s partners, community members and entrepreneurs with promising ideas to turn them into successful startups with a positive impact on society.

"This latest session provided entrepreneurs in the field of environmental sustainability with a broader understanding of the 7th cohort’s unique requirements.”

Convening experts from organisations including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Integrated Transport Center and Emirates Driving Company (EDC), the session examined the trends by entrepreneurs who wish to participate in the 7th cohort.

It outlined the strategies of the Abu Dhabi Government in the areas of Green Cities, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Transport as well as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 of the United Nations that focuses on sustainable cities and communities.

The session also highlighted the role of enterprises in supporting social entrepreneurship and innovation, the challenges related to Green Cities, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Transport, opportunities for shaping Abu Dhabi’s future of environmental, social, and economic sustainability landscape.

Humaid Kanji, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, said: "This session helps us gain a better perspective on how to tackle the most pressing social priorities of Abu Dhabi, especially those related to the sustainability of cities, circular economy, and the development of effective tools."

Ahmed Al Shaibani, Head of Comprehensive Transportation Planning at Integrated Transport Center (ITC), said: "Through participating in this session along with like-minded entities from the government, private and third sectors, ITC aims to work with Ma’an to deliver a profound social impact on sustainable transport sector.

Mustafa Mohsen, Customer Happiness Manager at Emirates Driving Company (EDC), said: “The ideas presented to this session will stimulate discussions on how community members and social entrepreneurs can work together to transform their ideas into programs and initiatives.

During the session, participants proposed creative solutions to support emerging social enterprises in line with Abu Dhabi's vision emphasising Green Cities, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Transport to create sustainable cities and societies.

The deadline for submitting applications for 7th cohort of MSI is Sunday, October 2, 2022.

The launch of the 7th cohort is in partnership with the Making Prosperity initiative, an impact initiative that runs the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Maker Challenge – an open-innovation platform that aims to solve real-world challenges affecting people's lives.

The 7th cohort is launched as part of the ‘Decade of Action Challenge’, a 10-year initiative by Making Prosperity and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) that seeks to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development through innovative solutions.

The 7th cohort will present the Challenge Question to the global start-up community to source technological and innovative solutions via submissions on the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Maker Challenge open innovation platform.

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