Sherif Tawfik , Microsoft ’ s regional Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer , shares his high hopes for meaningful climate action at COP28 in the UAE
SUSTAINABILITY | STRATEGIES
Microsoft sustainability chief Sherif Tawfik on
COP28 opportunity
Sherif Tawfik , Microsoft ’ s regional Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer , shares his high hopes for meaningful climate action at COP28 in the UAE
WRITTEN BY : KATE BIRCH
As the world wakes up to global boiling , having experienced the hottest month on record for 120,000 years , the sheer scale of the climate crisis can paralyse any efforts to make a meaningful difference .
Size and complexity does not faze Sherif Tawfik , who instead sees these as an opportunity when it comes to making businesses – and the world – more sustainable .
In his role as Chief Sustainability Commercial Officer - Central , Southeast Europe , Middle East , and Africa at Microsoft – Tawfik has a wide remit spanning more than 100 countries on three continents .
He drives a vision aligned with the Microsoft mission to empower every person and every organisation with the technologies to build a more sustainable future , and where better than the region he represents .
“ Sitting in a region that represents 55 % of the world ’ s countries – close to 110 – you can just imagine the possibilities ,” says Tawfik , speaking from his base in the UAE which he has called home for 20 years .
“ There is the Middle East , which is home to 50 % of the world ’ s largest energy producers and multi-billion-dollar sovereign wealth funds now dedicated to renewable energy and decarbonisation .
“ You have Africa , which by 2030 will be home to 40 % of the world ’ s youth and also home to 50 % of the world ’ s best solar resources . You have digital native nations in Southeast Europe and Central Europe , home to amazing tech talent and manufacturing hubs .
“ I think this diversity on its own represents tremendous opportunities for change .”
Change is required , and fast , but there also needs to be a coherent and cohesive approach . When overseeing sustainability strategies for more than 100 countries , you can imagine the lack of consistency when it comes to standards and regulations . businesschief . com 91