Forward Talks
Goumbook
Forward Talks features sustainability leaders and climate champions driving impact from our region to the world.Forward Talks is hosted by Tatiana Antonelli-Abella and brought to you by Goumbook, the UAE’s first social enterprise.
Take a Breath Webinar 1: Indoor Air Quality and Health: Global to Local Challenges and Opportunities
Part of ‘Take a Breath’ Webinar Series: "Breathing into the Future: Creating Healthier Spaces for Resilient Cities and Communities”. Our opening session, "Indoor Air Quality and Health: Global to Local Challenges and Opportunities" was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Panel of experts included:Heba Safi – World Health Organisation, Technical Officer on Air Quality and HealthVahid Hosseini- Lead on Transportation-Related Air Pollution at UNU-INWEHKholood Altassan - Assistant Professor in En
Mar 7, • 58:20
FAO’s Role in Combating Desertification: Insights with Feras Ziadat
Tatiana Antonelli-Abella is joined by Feras Ziadat, who is currently a Land and Water Officer with a specific focus on land resource management and planning at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.Mr. Ziadat played a pivotal role in coordinating the FAO flagship report titled The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture, SOLO, and he also updating the FAO Guide on integrated land use planning. In this episode, he talks about fostering participatory a
Feb 4, • 25:01
Financing the Future: Driving Sustainability and Regenerative Growth in KSA, with Ali Tariq Khan
Tatiana Antonelli-Abella is joined by Ali Tariq Khan, Senior Advisor for ESG Matters at Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), a leading corporate, institutional and trade finance bank in Saudi Arabia with a strategic partnership with HSBC Group.In this current role, Ali’s ESG responsibilities include disclosures, governance, policy, training, net-zero commitments and he leads multiple industry initiatives as well. Ali is a seasoned banker with 20 years of experience with strategic positions at Standard Charte
Jan 13, • 38:49
Land Restoration: Regenerative Solutions for Arid Lands, with Neal Spackman
Tatiana Antonelli-Abella is joined by Neal Spackman to discuss the Al Baydah Restoration Project in Saudi Arabia, a groundbreaking project he led in partnership with the King Faisal Foundation, starting with a 100-acre prototype watershed in 2010. Neal is co-founder at Regenerative AquaForestry Technologies, and partner at Regenerative Studios, a design & Strategy consultancy. He focuses on enterprise development and disrupting conventional methods of agricultural production, and has led and adv
Jan 6, • 31:54
Water Bankruptcy: Rethinking Drought, Soil, and Agriculture, with Professor Kaveh Madani
Welcome to Our Land, Our Future, a special mini-series of Forward Talks by Goumbook focused on land restoration and combating desertification. Our first episode features Professor Kaveh Madani, a prominent environmental scientist, educator, and leader known for his work on complex human-natural systems at the interface of science, policy, and society. With over 300 publications, Professor Kaveh is currently the Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health
Dec 19, 2024 • 36:09
Introducing: ‘Our Land, Our Future’, a special series on land restoration and combating desertification
Welcome to “Our Land, Our Future,” a special mini-series of Forward Talks by Goumbook focused on land restoration and combating desertification—key topics discussed at the UNCCD COP16, held for the first time in the Middle East, in Riyadh, December 2024.Host Tatiana Antonelli-Abella will be speaking to regional and global stakeholders who are spearheading innovative efforts to protect and restore land. The goal is to foster awareness and inspire action within the Middle East and beyond to addres
Dec 19, 2024 • 1:32
Panel discussion: Nature & Science based solutions- scaling Regenerative Agriculture to tackle the MENAT agricultural, food security & climate change challenges
The first MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Program Ceremony took place on the 22nd of May, the International Day of Biological Diversity, where we celebrated the researches and entrepreneurs who hold the keys to solving some of the world’s fundamental agricultural problems.The Regenerative Agriculture Program has been a transformative journey, from the initial open call in 2023. We received over 100 registration from 18 counties and some of the most innovative academic and entrepreneurial
Jun 19, 2024 • 34:32
How purpose unlocks the health of people, vulnerable communities, and the planet, with Telfast’s Sylvain Bonnet
Tatiana sits down with Sylvain Bonnet, Vice President & Global General Manager for Telfast, a brand under global healthcare company, Sanofi. Sanofi and Telfast have been instrumental towards Goumbook’s Take-a-Breath campaign, an awareness initiative to raise awareness and drive action on indoor air quality, aligning with the UAE Air Quality Agenda 2031. Tatiana and Sylvain talk about Sanofi’s net-zero commitment, their b-corp certification and their declaration to become a purpose-led organizati
May 6, 2024 • 26:20
Bonus: Tanzeed Alam on involving the next generation in climate action
We’re continuing our conversation with Tanzeed Alam, MD at Earth Matters. Tanzeed shares his experience with the youth at COP28, and our thoughts on how to involve and educate the next generation to be more involved in climate action. If you haven’t heard Part 1—where we talk about the outcomes of COP28 in the UAE and look ahead to COP29—you’ll find that in your podcast app right before this one. This episode closes out our special series on COP28, in partnership with Mastercard and with the sup
Feb 20, 2024 • 14:50
Tanzeed Alam on COP28 & the UAE Consensus: from agreement to action
We’re joined today by Tanzeed Alam, MD at Earth Matters, to talk about the outcomes of COP28 in the UAE, and look ahead to COP29 in Azerbaijan. Tanzeed is the MD of Earth Matters, with extensive experience consulting with private sector and government on climate action. He also took on a special role last year as an advisor at the private office of Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, the UN High-Level Climate Champion for COP28. Tanzeed is also our first returning guest, you can listen to his previ
Feb 14, 2024 • 36:58
Think Tank: The invisible challenge: Exploring the nexus of indoor air quality, public health and climate action
Our latest Think Tank took place on day 13 of COP28 at the Slovenia Pavilion under the Take a Breath campaign, in partnership with Telfast and Sanofi. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness and drive action on indoor air quality, aligning with the UAE Air Quality Agenda 2031. We were joined by Angie Lorena Sanchez Pina, Air Quality Specialist with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Mai Daoud, Sustainability Lead for AMEA and China Region at Sanofi, and our amazing panelists
Jan 29, 2024 • 42:23
COP28 Expectations: Obaid Ali Alshamshi & Shaemma Rasheed Mebwana, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Obaid Ali Alshamshi, currently leads the Marine Biodiversity Section and the Youth Council at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and his colleague, Shaemma Rasheed Mebwana, a Climate Change Analyst with the Ministry, share their expectations from COP28, and some of the programs available for the Youth in the Green Zone. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to the full episode in your podcast app or on our website, and sign-up
Dec 11, 2023 • 7:58
Obaid Ali Alshamshi & Shaemma Rasheed Mebwana on youth empowerment to advance inclusive and ambitious climate action
We’re joined for this youth-focused episode by Obaid Ali Alshamshi, a distinguished Emirati biologist, currently leading the Marine Biodiversity Section and the Youth Council at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and his colleague, Shaemma Rasheed Mebwana, a Climate Change Analyst with the Ministry. We talk about how the UAE Government has been engaging with the youth, involving them in policy making, and some of the youth programs at the COP28 Green Zone. This is part of our s
Dec 7, 2023 • 30:24
COP28 Expectations: Jamila El-Mir, Sr. Advisor to the High-Level Champion for COP28
Jamila El Mir, senior advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, shares her expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Jamila’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 30, 2023 • 7:14
COP28 Expectations: The Green Sheikh
The Greek Sheikh, H.H Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, shares his expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to The Green Sheikh’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 30, 2023 • 8:40
COP28 Expectations: Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group
Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer at Chalhoub Group, shares her expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Florence’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 30, 2023 • 7:37
COP28 Expectations: Andrea Prazakova, SVP, Mastercard Foundry and ESG for EEMEA
Andrea Prazakova, Senior Vice President at Mastercard Foundry and ESG for EEMEA, shares her expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Andrea’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 29, 2023 • 6:14
COP28 Expectations: Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer, Baker Hughes
Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, shares her expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Allyson’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 29, 2023 • 9:55
COP28 expectations: Hossam Allam, Climate Resilience Fund
Hossam Allam shares his expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Hossam’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 29, 2023 • 7:44
COP28 Expectations: Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, Soma Mater
Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi shares his expectations from COP28. This is a clip from our special series, Climate Leaders–Rising up to COP28. You can listen to Dr. Majid’s full episode in your podcast app or on our website.
Nov 29, 2023 • 3:52
Jamila El Mir on accelerating net zero transition in the built environment
We’re joined today by Jamila El Mir, senior advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak. Jamila has over 16 years of experience in environmental and sustainability strategy, and policy development for master planning and citywide planning, urban waste systems and more. We talk about the impact of urban growth and the construction sector on the environment, and her work with the Climate Champions team. This is part of our special series, Climate
Nov 28, 2023 • 23:43
Florence Bulte on building a strong sustainability culture in luxury retail
We’re joined today by Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer at Chalhoub Group. Chalhoub Group has been a creator of luxury experiences across the Middle East for over six decades, and Florence is responsible for promoting sustainability across the Group through advocacy and partnerships. We talk about how they engage with their supply chain to embed sustainability across the Group, how the luxury industry is working on recycling and circularity, and her expectations from COP28. This is pa
Nov 24, 2023 • 27:39
The Green Sheikh on fostering the youth as future climate champions
H.H Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, popularly known as The Green Sheikh, joins us on the episode. Sheikh Abdul Aziz serves as environmental advisor to the Ajman Government and is also the founder of the Al Ihsan Charity, which he started in 1998 and The Green Sheikh Academy in 2018. We talk about his journey to becoming a climate leader, his mission to inspire over a billion individuals through his new program for the youth—The Climate Champions—and his expectations from COP28. You can also find th
Nov 14, 2023 • 32:07
Andrea Prazakova on the intersection of fintech and climate action
We’re joined on the episode by Andrea Prazakova, Senior Vice President at Mastercard Foundry and ESG for EEMEA. She’s also the co-founder of Space Uncensored, a podcast that aims to amplify the voices of women in the space industry. According to JPMogran, the worldwide digital payments industry is currently estimated at US$ 54 trillion. As this number continues to grow, it provides exciting opportunities to create a massive positive impact across sectors. We talk about the role of the fintech in
Oct 20, 2023 • 31:49
Allyson Anderson Book on the energy transition as an opportunity for innovation and collaboration
We’re joined on the episode by Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes. Baker Hughes develops and deploys advanced technologies to serve energy and industrial companies looking for more efficient, more reliable and cleaner solutions. They operate in 120 countries worldwide and their diverse portfolio of technologies and solutions are transforming how industry works today and in the future. As Baker Hughes Chief Sustainability Officer, Allyson oversees the company’s e
Oct 6, 2023 • 34:53
Hossam Allam on the necessity of investing in nature-positive ventures
We’re joined on this episode by by Hossam Allam, Managing Partner at the Climate Resilience Fund, which is focused on climate projects in Africa. Hossam began his career as an environmental engineer at Shell, and working for his family’s construction business in Egypt before making the shift to becoming a full-time investor. We talk about the funding instruments in the climate space, and his experience attending COP27 in Egypt as we gear up to COP28 in the UAE this year. This is part of our spec
Sep 4, 2023 • 27:53
Mohammed Mahmoud on the social and environmental implications of water security in the Middle East
We’re joined today by Mohammed Mahmoud, Director of Climate and Water Program at the Middle East Institute, one of the oldest Washington DC based think-tanks dedicated to the study of the Middle East and its issues. We talk about his role at the Middle East Institute studying the region, and to understand the issues we’re seeing both globally and in the region as a result of climate change. Mohammed has an extensive background in water resource issues and management, such as how climate impacts
Aug 1, 2023 • 32:55
Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi on the nexus between soil health and food security
Welcome to the first episode of our new series, Climate Leaders – Rising up to COP28. We’ll share inspiring stories of sustainability leaders and climate champions, driving impact from our region to the world. We’re joined today by Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi. Until 2021, Dr. Majid was the Advisor to the Minister regarding all things Food and Agriculture, at the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. He’s now a founding partner at Soma Mater where they develop Food Security and
Jun 8, 2023 • 28:22
Introducing: Climate Leaders — Rising up to COP28
We’re excited to announce a special series, Climate Leaders — Rising up to COP28, to mark the ‘Year of Sustainability’ here in the UAE, in the lead up to the UAE hosting the 28th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP28) later this year. We’ll be sharing inspiring stories of sustainability leaders and climate champions, driving impact from our region to the world. This will a special series of 10 episodes, brought to you by Goumbook in partnership with Mastercard. Joining host Tatiana Antone
Jun 8, 2023 • 5:39
Think Tank - Towards Responsible Tourism: Best Practices from the UAE
Our latest Think Tank, “Towards Responsible Tourism: Best Practices from the UAE” was held at the Arabian Market a few weeks ago. The Think Tank focused on gathering perspectives from different stakeholders driving impact across a variety of initiatives in sustainable & responsible tourism from the UAE, highlighting Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’s efforts with the recent relaunch of its carbon calculator and 19 sustainable requirements aimed at placing Dubai at the heart of sustainab
May 24, 2023 • 41:02
Think Tank - Managing your ESG reporting
ESG – a holistic concept that has roots dating back to the 1960s, has evolved over the decades gaining more traction in recent years within the corporate sustainability context. Referring to the environmental (‘E’), social (‘S’) and governance (‘G’) pillars within the sustainability framework, they are key to addressing the impacts of corporate activities and investments on people and the planet. With the current lack of unified reporting standards, definition and many frameworks influencing the
Jul 12, 2022 • 51:59
The alliance to end hunger, with Paul Newnham
Tatiana is joined on this episode by Paul Newnham, Chair of the Public Engagement Task Force for the UN Food Systems Summit and Vice Chair of the Food System Champion Network. He is also Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub Secretariat and the Chefs’ Manifesto Coordinator. Paul heads up the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 Advocacy Hub as Director, an initiative bringing together NGOs, advocacy groups, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies to coordinate global campaigning a
Mar 28, 2022 • 24:24
SDG12 and Food Waste, how can we make a difference? With Tarek AlKhoury
In this episode, Tatiana is joined by Tarek Al Khoury, Regional Coordinator for Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Consumption and Production at the West Asia Office of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). They talk about UNEP initiatives to promote the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, more precisely SDG12, and how we can all work together to reduce food waste. Recently Tarek was also part of a panel discussion moderated by Tatiana at the Food For Future
Mar 15, 2022 • 20:43
'Our world is not an ashtray’, with Monica Barten, Director Communications at Philip Morris Middle East
Philip Morris International's ongoing sustainability efforts include working to lower emissions, use energy more efficiently, and combat deforestation. In addition, PMI is determined to fight the environmental damage caused by plastic and post-consumer waste from their products - particularly cigarette butts. Around the globe, PMI teams have organized litter cleanups, launched awareness campaigns, and partnered with environmental NGOs and academics. In June 2020, Philip Morris Internati
Oct 4, 2021 • 16:57
The UAE present a sustainable alternative to concrete at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021
This week, digging into the National Pavilion of the UAE for the Biennale Architettura 2021 Wetland, which is curated by Wael Al Awar and Kenichi Teramoto. The prototype is created from recycled industrial waste brine, handcast into organic shapes to recall the UAE’s traditional coral-built houses and spans 7m by 5m, with a height of 2.7 meters. We’re joined on the episode by Laila Binbrek who has served as the National Pavilion’s coordinating director since 2014, and Wael Al Awar, Foun
Sep 13, 2021 • 32:16
Enhancing biodiversity through urban forests
We're back with a new episode, talking to Rasmus Astrup, a partner at SLA Architects, the company behind the Al Fey Park in Abu Dhabi. Al Fey Park is the first urban park in the UAE, spanning 27,000 square meters and with a focus on biodiversity featuring over 2,000 local flora.
Apr 22, 2021 • 22:05
Enhancing biodiversity through urban forests
We're back with a new episode, talking to Rasmus Astrup, a partner at SLA Architects, the company behind the Al Fey Park in Abu Dhabi. Al Fey Park is the first urban park in the UAE, spanning 27,000 square meters and with a focus on biodiversity featuring over 2,000 local flora.
Apr 22, 2021 • 22:05
Decluttering: the way to a low impact life, with Shelina Jokhiya
A lot of people think of decluttering as merely cleaning up or getting rid of things but not many understand its link with living a low impact life. When someone else uses something we get rid of, it reduces their consumption and impact just as much as our own. And as we consume less, we need fewer cupboards, shelves, boxes and even smaller living spaces. This week, we're joined by Shelina Jokhiya, Founder of DeCluttr Me, the UAE's first licensed professional decluttering service, and t
Jun 30, 2020 • 25:07
Decluttering: the way to a low impact life, with Shelina Jokhiya
A lot of people think of decluttering as merely cleaning up or getting rid of things but not many understand its link with living a low impact life. When someone else uses something we get rid of, it reduces their consumption and impact just as much as our own. And as we consume less, we need fewer cupboards, shelves, boxes and even smaller living spaces. This week, we're joined by Shelina Jokhiya, Founder of DeCluttr Me, the UAE's first licensed professional decluttering service, and the Host
Jun 30, 2020 • 0:00
The future of commute, with Adam Ridgeway
According to the The NY Researcher Market Watch, the electric 2-wheeler market is expected to grow at a compound rate of 4.6% to reach US$6.9 billion by 2024. This week, we're joined by Adam Ridgeway, the founder & CEO of One Moto here in Dubai, which finds itself at the forefront of this growth in the region. It is the first company in the UAE whose bikes have been approved by the local Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
Jun 23, 2020 • 27:58
The future of commute, with Adam Ridgeway
According to the The NY Researcher Market Watch, the electric 2-wheeler market is expected to grow at a compound rate of 4.6% to reach US$6.9 billion by 2024. This week, we're joined by Adam Ridgeway, the founder & CEO of One Moto here in Dubai, which finds itself at the forefront of this growth in the region. It is the first company in the UAE whose bikes have been approved by the local Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
Jun 23, 2020 • 0:00
On a mission to empower one million Arab women, with Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah
This week, we're joined by Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, a princess of the royal AlSabah family of Kuwait. Sheikha Intisar is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author and columnist. She believes in using her knowledge, experience and personal discoveries to inspire people to look, feel and do better and is now on a mission to empower one million Arab women. In 2013 she launched Alnowair, the first GCC non-profit working with schools to improve well-being among children through po
Jun 16, 2020 • 19:48
On a mission to empower one million Arab women, with Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah
This week, we're joined by Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, a princess of the royal AlSabah family of Kuwait. Sheikha Intisar is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author and columnist. She believes in using her knowledge, experience and personal discoveries to inspire people to look, feel and do better and is now on a mission to empower one million Arab women. In 2013 she launched Alnowair, the first GCC non-profit working with schools to improve well-being among children through positiv
Jun 16, 2020 • 0:00
Clean water empowering future generations, with Sunil Lalvani
This week, we're joined by Sunil Lalvani, the founder of Project Maji which seeks to bring sustainable access to safe water across rural sub-Saharan Africa through solar-powered water kiosks. Sunil shares his experience on starting & operating a social enterprise in the region and the overall impact having safe drinking water has on the youth and their quality of life.
Jun 7, 2020 • 0:00
Clean water empowering future generations, with Sunil Lalvani
This week, we're joined by Sunil Lalvani, the founder of Project Maji which seeks to bring sustainable access to safe water across rural sub-Saharan Africa through solar-powered water kiosks. Sunil shares his experience on starting & operating a social enterprise in the region and the overall impact having safe drinking water has on the youth and their quality of life.
Jun 7, 2020 • 24:27
The role of insects in the future of food, with Patrick Crowley
This week, we’re sharing a conversation from a few months ago when we attended (and had a live podcast station) the Global Forum on Innovations for Marginal Envionrments held by ICBA in Dubai; the opening address by Her Excellency Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of State for Food Security in the UAE. Our guest is Patrick Crowley who founded Chapul 8 years ago when he came across a water-efficient source of protein ... crickets. Since then the company has been producing energy bars &
Jun 1, 2020 • 0:00
The role of insects in the future of food, with Patrick Crowley
This week, we’re sharing a conversation from a few months ago when we attended (and had a live podcast station) the Global Forum on Innovations for Marginal Envionrments held by ICBA in Dubai; the opening address by Her Excellency Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of State for Food Security in the UAE. Our guest is Patrick Crowley who founded Chapul 8 years ago when he came across a water-efficient source of protein ... crickets. Since then the company has been producing energy bars &
Jun 1, 2020 • 12:04
Beauty without Cruelty, with Leena Al Abbas
As we all continue to deal with the impacts of the restrictions in place to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, we’d like to encourage you to support your local businesses at this time in any way possible—whether it is ordering from them, donating to them, sharing their information to help spread the word, as some businesses are offering buying their services upfront at a discount for when they eventually open. One such business is Organic Glow, the UAE’s first organic and all-vegan s
May 26, 2020 • 0:00
Beauty without Cruelty, with Leena Al Abbas
As we all continue to deal with the impacts of the restrictions in place to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, we’d like to encourage you to support your local businesses at this time in any way possible—whether it is ordering from them, donating to them, sharing their information to help spread the word, as some businesses are offering buying their services upfront at a discount for when they eventually open. One such business is Organic Glow, the UAE’s first organic and all-
May 26, 2020 • 21:57
Sustainability in business: how local SMEs can get involved, with David Alvarez & Keith Bradley
This week, we're joined by David Ramos Álvarez, Senior Manager of Sustainability at HSBC and Keith Bradley, Founder & Managing Partner at Globally. The two companies have partnered together as part of the Living Business Programme which aims to help startups adopt more sustainable practices in their operations. Tune in to find out more about the partnership, how you can get involved as well as other initiatives at play in the region to promote sustainability programs. You can connec
May 17, 2020 • 19:22
Sustainability in business: how local SMEs can get involved, with David Alvarez & Keith Bradley
This week, we're joined by David Ramos Álvarez, Senior Manager of Sustainability at HSBC and Keith Bradley, Founder & Managing Partner at Globally. The two companies have partnered together as part of the Living Business Programme which aims to help startups adopt more sustainable practices in their operations. Tune in to find out more about the partnership, how you can get involved as well as other initiatives at play in the region to promote sustainability programs. You can connect with u
May 17, 2020 • 0:00
Pioneering sustainable solutions to tackle food security, with Abdulaziz AlMulla
This week, we're joined by Abdulaziz AlMulla, the founder & CEO of Madar Farms about the realities of water consumption and its effect on food security, how they’re handling this imbalance as well as helping educate the masses about the problem. The realities of just 1% of our land being farmland while more than 80% of our water consumption going towards agriculture is a terrifying imbalance. Madar Farms started out in 2017 to focus on using controlled-environment agriculture method
May 10, 2020 • 23:09
Pioneering sustainable solutions to tackle food security, with Abdulaziz AlMulla
This week, we're joined by Abdulaziz AlMulla, the founder & CEO of Madar Farms about the realities of water consumption and its effect on food security, how they’re handling this imbalance as well as helping educate the masses about the problem. The realities of just 1% of our land being farmland while more than 80% of our water consumption going towards agriculture is a terrifying imbalance. Madar Farms started out in 2017 to focus on using controlled-environment agriculture methods such a
May 10, 2020 • 0:00
Fashion with a conscience, with Araceli Gallego
This week, on the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed 1,138 people and injured many more, we encourage millions of people to come together to campaign for systemic change in the fashion industry. We are living in a climate emergency and the fashion & textiles sector is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries. So why are we featuring a podcast about this industry today? It's because GoShopia sells fashion with a conscience by shying aw
Apr 30, 2020 • 0:00
Fashion with a conscience, with Araceli Gallego
This week, on the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed 1,138 people and injured many more, we encourage millions of people to come together to campaign for systemic change in the fashion industry. We are living in a climate emergency and the fashion & textiles sector is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries. So why are we featuring a podcast about this industry today? It's because GoShopia sells fashion with a conscience by shying away fr
Apr 30, 2020 • 19:17
Moving towards net-zero carbon buildings, with Saeed Al Abbar
We're joined this week via web conference by Saeed Al Jabbar, founder & MD of AESG, a specialist consultancy firm focused on energy, sustainable development and urban improvement. We talk to Saeed about AESG's approach to better urban development, the impact of the current world situation on the construction industry & his take on a more circular approach to construction. We'd love to hear what you think of the episode. You can connect with us on Instagram and find all our episodes in y
Apr 25, 2020 • 0:00
Moving towards net-zero carbon buildings, with Saeed Al Abbar
We're joined this week via web conference by Saeed Al Jabbar, founder & MD of AESG, a specialist consultancy firm focused on energy, sustainable development and urban improvement. We talk to Saeed about AESG's approach to better urban development, the impact of the current world situation on the construction industry & his take on a more circular approach to construction. We'd love to hear what you think of the episode. You can connect with us on Instagram and find all our episo
Apr 25, 2020 • 17:33
Conscious consumerism, with Maria Sillanpaa
We hope you and your loved ones are safe, and that you're listening to this episode from the comfort of your home. This week, we're sharing our conversation with Maria Sillanpaa, founder of Sustainability Advisory. This was a conversation we did much before the restrictions were put in to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. Maria joins us to talk about the first-of-its-kind Conscious Consumer UAE State of Play 2019, where they surveyed 1,300 citizens and residents in the country to un
Apr 12, 2020 • 0:00
Conscious consumerism, with Maria Sillanpaa
We hope you and your loved ones are safe, and that you're listening to this episode from the comfort of your home. This week, we're sharing our conversation with Maria Sillanpaa, founder of Sustainability Advisory. This was a conversation we did much before the restrictions were put in to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. Maria joins us to talk about the first-of-its-kind Conscious Consumer UAE State of Play 2019, where they surveyed 1,300 citizens and residents in the countr
Apr 12, 2020 • 20:51
Humans vs Nature, with Tanzeed Alam
This week, we're joined by Tanzeed Alam, MD of Earth Matters — they are a consultancy focusing on strategy & advisory services to help find practical solutions around climate crises and human development. Tanzeed shares his thought on climate change and how they're enabling the businesses they work with. We also talk about the current pandemic and what businesses can learn from its impacts worldwide. Over the next few weeks we hope to share more conversations about the various issues the
Apr 2, 2020 • 0:00
Humans vs Nature, with Tanzeed Alam
This week, we're joined by Tanzeed Alam, MD of Earth Matters — they are a consultancy focusing on strategy & advisory services to help find practical solutions around climate crises and human development. Tanzeed shares his thought on climate change and how they're enabling the businesses they work with. We also talk about the current pandemic and what businesses can learn from its impacts worldwide. Over the next few weeks we hope to share more conversations about the various issues the pandemi
Apr 2, 2020 • 25:47
The Water Project, with Adam Torrey
With March 22 being World Water Day, we're joined on this episode by Adam Torrey from The Water Project, a non-profit focused on reliable water projects around clean water and sanitization in sub-Saharan Africa. Adam shares how The Water Project meets its goals as well as helps put various aspects around our water consumption into persepctive for us. Later this week, we'll be sharing our conversation with Tanzeed Alam from Earth Matters, where we talk about how the current Coronavirus pandemic
Mar 22, 2020 • 0:00
The Water Project, with Adam Torrey
With March 22 being World Water Day, we're joined on this episode by Adam Torrey from The Water Project, a non-profit focused on reliable water projects around clean water and sanitization in sub-Saharan Africa. Adam shares how The Water Project meets its goals as well as helps put various aspects around our water consumption into persepctive for us. Later this week, we'll be sharing our conversation with Tanzeed Alam from Earth Matters, where we talk about how the current Coronavirus p
Mar 22, 2020 • 27:30
Leading a purpose driven life, with Maggie Doyne
On this episode, we’re joined by Maggie Doyne, founder of Blink Now Foundation, which provides quality education & a safe environment for children in Nepal. With thanks to Dana Al Matrook, founder of the Kind Human Collective.
Mar 8, 2020 • 0:00
Leading a purpose driven life, with Maggie Doyne
On this episode, we’re joined by Maggie Doyne, founder of Blink Now Foundation, which provides quality education & a safe environment for children in Nepal. With thanks to Dana Al Matrook, founder of the Kind Human Collective.
Mar 8, 2020 • 24:00
Beyond dental care, with Dr. David Roze
This week, we're talking to Dr. David Roze, from the Dr. Roze & Associates Dental Clinic and the first member of our Fair Care initiative to provide affordable dental care to those who need it. Dr. Roze also explains why everything is linked to our teeth & how holistic medicine including dentistry is the future. You can follow us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/goumbook) and find all the episodes of the show in your favourite podcast player, or on the web.
Feb 4, 2020 • 0:00
Beyond dental care, with Dr. David Roze
This week, we're talking to Dr. David Roze, from the Dr. Roze & Associates Dental Clinic and the first member of our Fair Care initiative to provide affordable dental care to those who need it. Dr. Roze also explains why everything is linked to our teeth & how holistic medicine including dentistry is the future. You can follow us on Instagram and find all the episodes of the show in your favourite podcast player, or on the web.
Feb 4, 2020 • 15:34
From Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: Recycled water & AquaTEC
We had the opporutnity to sit down with the team from the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which brings together policy makers, industry specialists and the next generation of sustainability leaders under one roof. Engr. Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Project Director, and Humaid Al Shamsi, Reveneue Management Division Manager, told us about their new recycled water project and the AquaTEC initiative.
Jan 22, 2020 • 0:00
From Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: Recycled water & AquaTEC
We had the opporutnity to sit down with the team from the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which brings together policy makers, industry specialists and the next generation of sustainability leaders under one roof. Engr. Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Project Director, and Humaid Al Shamsi, Reveneue Management Division Manager, told us about their new recycled water project and the AquaTEC initiative.
Jan 22, 2020 • 23:17
The dirty side of dry cleaning, with Elham AlQasm
Happy New Year everyone! We're back this week with the inspiring Elham AlQasm, the first Arab woman to ski to the North Pole in 2010. As she was looking for her next venture, she launched the Natural Laundry Company in 2015 to correct the perceptions people have about dry cleaning and to help both customers and employees live a toxin-free life. Once again, we want to thank you for joining us on our journey, this was our 25th episode! We'll be back in two weeks with a new guest. Until then, you
Dec 24, 2019 • 0:00
The dirty side of dry cleaning, with Elham AlQasm
Happy New Year everyone! We're back this week with the inspiring Elham AlQasm, the first Arab woman to ski to the North Pole in 2010. As she was looking for her next venture, she launched the Natural Laundry Company in 2015 to correct the perceptions people have about dry cleaning and to help both customers and employees live a toxin-free life. Once again, we want to thank you for joining us on our journey, this was our 25th episode! We'll be back in two weeks with a new guest. Until then, you c
Dec 24, 2019 • 25:47
Engaging women for a better future, with Assia Riccio
Talking with Assia Riccio, founder of Evolvin Women.
Dec 1, 2019 • 0:00
Engaging women for a better future, with Assia Riccio
Assia Riccio is the founder of Evolvin Women, an organization that provides a platform to prepare unemployed women from less privileged backgrounds in Africa. In just 3 years, Evolvin Women provides support, including 550+ hours each month of mentorship to the women they help as part of their program.
Dec 1, 2019 • 25:09
The business of philanthropy, with Yann Bordstedt
Talking to Yann Borgstedt, founder of the Womanity Foundation.
Nov 12, 2019 • 0:00
The business of philanthropy, with Yann Bordstedt
This week, we're talking to Yann Borgstedt, a Swiss entrepreneur turned philanthropist who started the Womanity Foundation in 2005 with a focus on empowering women in countries such as Afghanistan, Brazil, India and the Middle East & North Africa.
Nov 12, 2019 • 22:39
The EV era, with Kyle Weber & Salman Hussein
Talking to Kyle Weber, founder & Salman Hussein, Managing Partner at Evera.
Oct 29, 2019 • 0:00
The EV era, with Kyle Weber & Salman Hussein
We recently celebrated World Energy Day, and when we talk about energy, one of the major considerations is that of transportation. On this episode we're we’re talking to a company that is looking to tackle this issue of awareness of electric vehicles (EVs), and help improve their adoption through people and community initiatives in Dubai -- Evera, which stands for Electric Vehicles for Environmental Regenerative Action.
Oct 29, 2019 • 28:28
Mapping human skills, with Sallyann Della Casa
Talking with Sallyann Della Casa, founder of GLEAC.
Oct 15, 2019 • 0:00
Mapping human skills, with Sallyann Della Casa
Our guest today is Sallyann Della Casa is the founder of GLEAC and Chief Tree Hugger at the Growing Leaders Foundation, something she started in 2010. Sallyann used to be a real-estate lawyer, but by 2012 she was already working on upskilling youth through workshops and training. This evolved into her current role as Chief Identity Hacker at GLEAC, a tech platform that helps discover and strengthen human soft skills & behaviour.
Oct 15, 2019 • 21:02
NOx emissions, with Nicholas Brooks
Talking with Nicholas Brooks, co-founder, Zaeto.
Oct 9, 2019 • 0:00
NOx emissions, with Nicholas Brooks
We are joined this week by Nicholas Brooks, a local entrepreneur dedicated to Sustainability. As a passionate cyclist, him and his friend Stewart Howison started riding regularly in Al Qudra, later founding Cycle Safe Dubai. Along the way they were approached on the road by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to discuss the creation of the now famous Al Qudra Cycle Track. In 2018, together with another long-term friend and previous business partner, Nicholas started Zaeto, developing a produc
Oct 9, 2019 • 16:42
Ozone for a toxic-free environment, with Adrienne Doolan
Talking with Adrienne Doolan, CEO of Green Touches.
Oct 1, 2019 • 0:00
Ozone for a toxic-free environment, with Adrienne Doolan
This week, we’re talking to Adrienne Doolan, CEO of Green Touches, about how she got started with using Ozone as a cleaning agent and why she believes we should talk about environment ‘sincerity’ rather than just sustainability. Combining a genuine passion for the environment, promoting a sustainable way of life and working with integrity, her company Green Touches, founded in 2015, has brought an entirely new concept to the Facility Management industry in the Middle East, striving to b
Oct 1, 2019 • 26:43
Planning arid cities, with Huda Shaka
Talking with Huda Shaka, Associate Director, ARUP
Sep 24, 2019 • 0:00
Planning arid cities, with Huda Shaka
This week our guest is a scientist & urban planner who has been working on the Sustainability aspect of projects such as the Abu Dhabi Capital Plan 2030, The Sharjah Strategic Plan 2040 and the Dubai Expo 2020 bid. Huda Shaka is a Dubai-kid who returned to the city after studying abroad and achieving her Masters in Urban Planning. She is now an Associate Director with ARUP, a multinational professional services firm which provides engineering, design, planning, project management an
Sep 24, 2019 • 24:26
Fast fashion, with Sian Rowlands
Talking with Sian Rowlands, Owner & Chief Storyteller at Retold.
Sep 18, 2019 • 0:00
Fast fashion, with Sian Rowlands
This week, we're joined by Sian Rowlands, Owner & Chief Storyteller at Retold, about how her own wardrobe dilemma formed the basis of her business and how broken the fashion industry really is today. Retold is a boutique store in Dubai dealing exclusively in pre-owned fashion.
Sep 18, 2019 • 24:28
State of Sustainability 2018, with Monaem Ben Lellahom (Part 2 of 2)
Talking with Monaem Ben Lellahom, Founding Partner & Group CEO of Sustainable Square.
Sep 11, 2019 • 0:00
State of Sustainability 2018, with Monaem Ben Lellahom (Part 2 of 2)
Part 2 of our talk with Monaem Ben Lellahom, Founding Partner & Group CEO of Sustainable Square. This episode discusses the 2018 State of CSR & Sustainability in the MENA Region report published by Sustainable Square earlier this year. In case you haven't heard it yet, do check out Part 1 where we talk about how Sustainable Square got started and Monaem's outlook for the future of sustainability in our region.
Sep 11, 2019 • 17:09
Sustainability vs CSR, with Monaem Ben Lellahom (Part 1 of 2)
Talking with Monaem Ben Lellahom, co-founder & CEO of Sustainable Square.
Sep 11, 2019 • 0:00
Sustainability vs CSR, with Monaem Ben Lellahom (Part 1 of 2)
Part 1 of our talk with Founder Partner & Group CEO of Sustainable Square, Monaem Ben Lellahom about how they got started, and how he views the regional landscape of sustainability compared to CSR. On Part 2, also available now, we discuss the 2018 State of Sustainability & CSR Report published by Sustainable Square earlier this year.
Sep 11, 2019 • 17:08
Building a sustainable future, with Sabrin Rahman
Talking with Sabrin Rahman, Head of Sustainability-—MENA & Turkey, HSBC
Aug 13, 2019 • 0:00
Building a sustainable future, with Sabrin Rahman
On this episode, we’re joined by Sabrin Rahman, Head of Sustainability at HSBC talking about her own journey & how the bank is looking to shape sustainability for the region.
Aug 13, 2019 • 21:55
The other side of landfills, with Anita Nouri
Talking with Anita Nouri, co-founder Green Energy Solutions
Jul 23, 2019 • 0:00
The other side of landfills, with Anita Nouri
This week, we’re joined by Anita Nouri, co-founder of Green Energy Solutions, discussing waste management and landfills, gas-to-energy benefits, transitioning to renewable energy and other sources of sustainable energy in the Middle East.
Jul 23, 2019 • 21:10
Marine innovations, with Dana Liparts
Talking with Dana Liparts, co-founder, EcoCoast.
Jul 9, 2019 • 0:00
Marine innovations, with Dana Liparts
On this episode, we’re joined by Dana Liparts, co-founder of EcoCoast, a marine protection company about the work they’re doing to protect our coastlines & tackling plastic waste in the ocean at a large scale.
Jul 9, 2019 • 21:12
Moving forward, with Courtney Brandt
A special episode behind-the-scenes with host of CSR of One, Courtney Brandt.
Jul 2, 2019 • 0:00
Moving forward, with Courtney Brandt
Last week, we published episode 10 and so we wanted to take you guys a little behind the scenes with Forward Talks. So on this special episode, we’re by joined by CSR of One, another podcast from the production house behind Forward Talks, Amaeya Media. Host of the show Courtney Brandt joins us to chat about what got us into podcasting, what the experience is like so far, and what we hope to achieve with the show. Also, as we move into the summer, we’ll be publishing every other Tuesday
Jul 2, 2019 • 22:39
Bonus: Luca Gagliardi
A bonus episode with Luca Gagliardi, General Manager at PierChic, about the chefs who inspire him.
Jun 20, 2019 • 0:00
Bonus: Luca Gagliardi
A bonus episode with Luca Gagliardi, General Manager at PierChic, about the chefs who inspire him. If you haven’t yet, you can check out Luca’s full episode where he talks about how PierChic addresses sustainability throughout their operations in your podcast player, or on the web.
Jun 20, 2019 • 2:15
Sustainable fine dining, with Luca Gagliardi
Talking with Luca Gagliardi, General Manager at PierChic
Jun 18, 2019 • 0:00
Sustainable fine dining, with Luca Gagliardi
This week, we’re talking with Luca Gagliardi, General Manager at PierChic, one of Dubai’s most iconic restaurants, on how he started out as a sommerlier in Italy, and how PierChic’s incorporates sustainability into their operations.
Jun 18, 2019 • 24:44
Building solar capacity, with Jeremy Crane
Talking with Jeremy Crane, founder of Yellow Door Energy.
Jun 11, 2019 • 0:00
Building solar capacity, with Jeremy Crane
This week, we talk to Jeremy Crane, founder of Yellow Door Energy, about solar energy in the region, their operating model and how they are growing towards their 300 megawatts solar capacity target by 2020.
Jun 11, 2019 • 22:18
Oceans first, with Paul Holthus
Talking with Paul Holthus, CEO of the World Ocean Council
Jun 4, 2019 • 0:00
Oceans first, with Paul Holthus
Oceans flow over nearly three-quarters of Earth, carry 97% of its water, and produce 70% of our oxygen. For every 10 breaths we take, seven of them come from the ocean. It is the true lifeblood of our planet. To help us understand what is being done to help protect our oceans, we’re joined this week by Paul Holthus, Founding President & CEO of the World Ocean Council. Thanks to our partners [OurSpace](ourspace.work) for their support.
Jun 4, 2019 • 26:46
Bonus: Elena Kinane
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May 30, 2019 • 0:00
Bonus: Elena Kinane
A quick bonus episode with our guest, Elena Kinane. You can listen to the full episode with Elena here.
May 30, 2019 • 3:55
Organic farming in the UAE, with Elena Kinane
Talking with Elena Kinane, founder of Greenheart Farms
May 28, 2019 • 0:00
Organic farming in the UAE, with Elena Kinane
This week, we chat with Elena Kinane, founder of Greenheart Farms on the importance of ‘clean food’ and how to grow it. She also shares their expansion plans into other sustainable initiatives around their makeup and cleaning products.
May 28, 2019 • 23:19
Saving the Planet & Making a Profit, with Karl Feilder
Talking with Karl W Feilder, Founder & CEO, Neutral Fuels.
May 21, 2019 • 0:00
Saving the Planet & Making a Profit, with Karl Feilder
We live in an era where social responsibility and profit are no longer disconnected. More and more companies are adopting sustainability as a way of doing good while making a profit. One such company is Neutral Fuels. This week, their founder & CEO Karl Feilder chats with us about their work to improve carbon footprint through recycling cooking oil into biodiesel. Karl also shares his thoughts on carbon prioritization-—what problems we must tackle first if we are to survive on our planet.
May 21, 2019 • 26:52
Rethinking Food Waste as a Resource, with Ryan Ingram
Talking with Ryan Ingram, founder, Terraloop
May 14, 2019 • 0:00
Rethinking Food Waste as a Resource, with Ryan Ingram
1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every single year. For every person who is malnourished, there are two who are overweight or obese. How do you go about dealing with the growing food needs of the world and balancing that out with the continuing amount of waste generated? This week we’re talking to Ryan Ingram, founder of Terraloop about their solutions to commercially handle food waste in the country as well as educate people on reducing food waste at source.
May 14, 2019 • 21:10
Data for Good, with Ayla Bajwa
Talking with Ayla Bajwa, Founder, AmpUz
May 7, 2019 • 0:00
Data for Good, with Ayla Bajwa
On this episode, we talk to Ayla Bajwa, founder of Ampuz and Board Member at the United National Global Compact UAE. Ayla shares her drive to measure the impact of sustainability which led her to found Ampuz and the current challenges faced in operationalizing the UNGA Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
May 7, 2019 • 18:24
Sustainability is a collective responsibility, with Alex Malhouf
Talking with Alex Malhouf, Corporate Communications Manager at P&G
Apr 30, 2019 • 0:00
Sustainability is a collective responsibility, with Alex Malhouf
This week, we talk to Alex Malhouf, Corporate Communications Manager at Procter & Gamble and a fellow podcaster. Alex shares his thoughts on how P&G views sustainability as being a collective responsibility, and how they’re doing more to educate as well as designing products to make it easier for consumers to do the right thing for the environment.
Apr 30, 2019 • 20:19
Sustainable landscaping, with Kamelia Zaal
Talking with Kamelia Zaal, founder of Kamelia Landscaping and KLD Playscapes.
Apr 23, 2019 • 0:00
Sustainable landscaping, with Kamelia Zaal
This week, we talk to Kamelia Zaal, the first Arab landscape designer to participate at the Chelsea flower show and best known for her landscape design at Al Barari. Kamelia shares numerous sustainability initiatives taken up at Al Barari—the greens, the water and the waste, how she hopes to redefine play areas in the region and her tips on improving sustainability in the UAE.
Apr 23, 2019 • 21:37
The YouTube for sustainable innovations, with Stefanie Schachtschabel
Talking with Stefanie Schachtschabel, founder of Globally Connected Companies.
Apr 16, 2019 • 0:00
The YouTube for sustainable innovations, with Stefanie Schachtschabel
Welcome to Forward Talks, a new podcast by Goumbook, bringing you weekly conversations with leaders & professionals who, through their work, entrepreneurship & commitment, promote positive impact and sustainability in the UAE and beyond. On our inaugural episode, we talk to Stefanie Schachtschabel, founder of Globally Connected Companies: Stefanie pivoted her media company in 2014 to focus on sustainability and has since launched a video platform to serve all sustainable innovations in our regio
Apr 16, 2019 • 20:20
Introducing Forward Talks
We look forward to bringing you conversations with sustainability changemakers in April 2019.
Mar 28, 2019 • 0:00