CPO Roundtable hosted by CIPS MENA and EcoVadis spotlights regulation, CFO alignment, and supplier engagement as key enablers
Procurement leaders from across the UAE are signalling a major strategic pivot from conventional green procurement to a broader framework of responsible sourcing, according to insights from a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Roundtable hosted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) in partnership with EcoVadis.
The roundtable, held in Dubai, gathered senior executives from leading organisations to explore how the UAE is emerging as a regional leader in embedding sustainability into procurement strategy. Discussions highlighted that regulatory changes—such as the UAE Federal Decree Law—are acting as catalysts for this shift, positioning procurement as a driver of sustainable impact, supplier innovation, and long-term business value.
Participants underscored the importance of supplier collaboration, capacity building, and transparent communication in advancing responsible sourcing. The conversation revealed that empowering suppliers early in their sustainability journey, alongside internal training and cultural alignment, will be essential to achieving lasting transformation.
Salem Bafaraj of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) noted the opportunity to link responsible sourcing with the national In-Country Value (ICV) programme. Other attendees cited increasing CFO interest in sustainable procurement as a factor accelerating adoption, with financial leaders beginning to recognise the link between sustainability performance and access to favourable financing terms.
Natasha Schulz of Dubai Holding and Sofiya Poland of ALEC added valuable perspectives on how the UAE can set a global precedent for responsible sourcing practices.
“Responsible sourcing is a strategic imperative. Procurement leaders are uniquely positioned to drive measurable change by embedding sustainability into every layer of the supply chain. What we’re seeing in the UAE is not incremental, it’s transformative,” commented Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA.
The roundtable concluded with a call to celebrate progress at every stage—large or small—to inspire continuous improvement and foster a shared commitment to sustainable procurement across industries.