As the effects of climate change ravage many parts of the world, Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD and Network International have joined the Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition as strategic partners to address the global challenge.
In statement on Tuesday, Mastercard said the coalition will also launch regional campaigns to empower consumers to take action for the environment and support reforestation efforts.
Launched in January 2020, the coalition unites the efforts of consumers, financial institutions, merchants and cities to fight climate change through the restoration of 100m trees over five years – together with climate science and forest restoration experts Conservation International and World Resources Institute.
According to Mastercard, the coalition aims to reinforce a restoration model that is not only focused on planting trees, but on re-growing forests in geographies with the greatest need and most potential for a positive climate, community and biodiversity impact.
“We created the Priceless Planet Coalition to not only inspire change, but to also pursue innovation. Climate change impacts you regardless of who you are, but the effect on those who are at a social or economic disadvantage could be catastrophic. To rebuild a better world that’s more inclusive and more sustainable, we need the commitment from businesses, governments, and consumers to connect, collaborate and work towards a common goal,” said Kristina Kloberdanz, Chief Sustainability Officer of Mastercard.
“We’re proud to welcome Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD, and Network International as long-term strategic partners to the Coalition, and excited at the prospect of leaving a meaningful legacy behind for our future generations in the region,” Kloberdanz added.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, speaking on the development, added, “Expo 2020 Dubai is a place that explores how to build and operate for a sustainable future. We hope to inspire people to think and act differently and to live in greater harmony with our planet. The next decade will be a crucial period for humanity and we are hopeful that the Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition will broaden our collective understanding of what we can do when we act together.”
In addition, Moadh Bukhash, Chief Marketing Officer, Group Marketing & Customer Experience at Emirates NBD, stated, “The Priceless Planet Coalition brings together like-minded partners who share our commitment to sustainability and passion to preserve our planet for future generations. Our participation builds on our ongoing efforts to raise consciousness and mobilize people and businesses towards social good to create a cleaner, healthier environment for us all.”
