The Sharjah Public Works Department recently announced its achievement of the ISO 20400:2017 certification for sustainable procurement. This accolade reflects its unwavering commitment to global standards and the promotion of institutional sustainability practices. The recognition aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to embed sustainable development concepts into its operations, particularly within procurement management, thereby ensuring a balance between economic efficiency and environmental and social responsibility.
A Milestone Achievement in Sustainable Procurement
Securing the ISO 20400:2017 certification in sustainable procurement represents the culmination of systematic institutional efforts. This achievement is a significant milestone in the department’s strategic plan aimed at integrating sustainability principles across all administrative and technical operations. It adds to the six international accreditations the department has previously received in the fields of quality, information technology, and customer satisfaction.
Commitment to Institutional Sustainability
Engineer Hind Nasser, the Director of Human Resources and Finance at the Sharjah Public Works Department, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment. “The ISO 20400:2017 certification represents an important step towards instilling a culture of sustainability in all institutional practices,” she stated. Nasser emphasized that sustainability is not merely an option but a strategic approach that the department is dedicated to reinforcing in every project. She also acknowledged the finance department’s active contribution to this success.
Insights from the Finance Department
According to Sudika Al-Dhaheri, the Head of the Finance Department, obtaining the ISO 20400:2017 certification in sustainable procurement is a significant milestone in the journey of institutional development. It serves as evidence of their commitment to implementing the best global practices in financial management and procurement. Over the past few years, the finance department has focused on enhancing transparency and efficiency, ensuring that procurement processes adhere to the sustainability principles outlined in the department’s strategic plan.
Al-Dhaheri noted, “We take pride in our efforts that contributed to this international achievement, solidifying the department’s position as a leading government entity in adopting sustainability standards. This reflects our dedication to achieving a balance between economic efficiency and social and environmental responsibility.” She further added that this international accreditation boosts confidence among partners and underscores their ongoing commitment to developing sustainable financial policies that enhance the quality of government projects while ensuring optimal resource use.
Acknowledgment of Excellence
It is worth noting that the Sharjah Public Works Department received the award for being the leading governmental body in financial performance at the sixth edition of the Distinguished Financial Performance Award, organized by the Sharjah Finance Department last year. This ongoing recognition of excellence demonstrates the department’s commitment to sustainability and best practices, establishing it as a benchmark in the realm of governmental operations.