Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of The Republic of Uzbekistan (second from left); Zorista Urosevich, Executive Director of UNWTO (second from right) and Shireen Mistree, Head – ESG, VFS Global at the event

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Dubai, UAE from 12-23 December 2023. Shireen Mistree, Head of ESG, was invited by the government of Republic of Uzbekistan to present the private sector’s perspective on sustainable eco-tourism at a session. Aziz Abdulkhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environment Protection and Climate Change, Government of Republic of Uzbekistan; Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Republic of Uzbekistan and Zorista Urosevich, Executive Director of UNWTO, attended the session.

Dignitaries at the launch of the programme

VFS Global partnered with VolGuru to facilitate the launch of a skill development training programme as part of Project Kaushal in Kochi in December 2023. Approximately 100 students from Bharath Matha College of Commerce actively participated in over 16 engaging sessions designed to boost their soft skills making them future ready.

VFS Global employees at the event

Volunteers in Dubai, UAE, participated in the Al Noor Fun Fair, hosted by Al Noor, an institute dedicated to the education and empowerment of children with disabilities. 12 volunteers participated in the Al Noor Superhero Walk for Inclusion to raise awareness for the inclusion of people of determination in all walks of life. Eight employees represented VFS Global in an inter- organisational football tournament. The proceeds from both activities went towards funds for the education of the wards of Al Noor.

Volunteers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi with kayaks at the mangrove plantation activity in UAE

30 volunteers from our offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi kayaked out to the mangroves on Yas Beach in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to plant new saplings. Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems, stabilising the climate, safeguarding coastlines, providing food for fish, birds, and humans alike, and fostering a healthy habitat for various species. The event was conducted in association with Companies for Good, dedicated to CSR and sustainability team activities in the country.

Employees in Bengaluru donated dry ration kits to the children at Samrutha Trust in January 2024.

Through the annual enterprise-wide campaign, our colleagues from around the globe dedicated their time and efforts to make a positive impact in their communities. From volunteering activities to donation drives, over 50 initiatives were conducted across 22 locations benefiting close to 2,000 individuals. Kudos to our 700+ Champions of Change for contributing to over 1,000 volunteering hours!