The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has been awarded the ISO 14001 certification for the second time.
The certification recognizes their?commitment to environmental management excellence and underscores the dedication to responsible operations, aligning with the UN’s broader goals of achieving sustainable development.
ESCWA pursued this certification to improve its environmental performance through optimized use of resources and reduction of waste. In addition to supporting the environmental sustainability goals of ESCWA, the certification boosts employee engagement and stakeholder confidence by publicly affirming their?commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Achieving ISO 14001 involved several key steps, beginning with a rigorous assessment of existing processes and potential impacts on the environment,” said Nasser Shammout, Director of the Resources Management and Service Development Division at ESCWA.
He underlined that the accomplishment was a testament to the Organization’s pursuit of excellence in environmental management.
“It reflects our commitment to a sustainable future and sets a benchmark for other UN agencies and organizations worldwide,” Shammout added.
The final stage of the certification process included a thorough audit by external certifiers, who evaluated the Energy Management Services (EMS) to ensure it met all ISO 14001 requirements.
The audit assessed the adequacy and effectiveness of the EMS, and the accuracy of records and documentation supporting the system’s ongoing operation, covering several areas such as facilities management, human resources, security, procurement, property management, programme, risk management, and internal control.
“We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our colleagues in reaching this significant milestone,” Shammout concluded.
