One Action

Transforming Plastic: Maryam Al Mansoori on Revolutionizing Recycling and Global Sustainability In this episode of the PepsiCo One Action podcast, we welcome Mariam Al Mansoori, the General Manager of Rebound Plastic Exchange, to the conversation. Mariam is a leader in the field of sustainability, driving change through an alternative supply chain model that facilitates the global trade of used plastic for recycling. Mariam delves into the complexities of recycling, global sustainability, and the role of individuals and organizations in creating a more environmentally conscious future. We also discover how her passion for public service, coupled with her expertise in finance and policy analysis, has contributed to her role at Rebound Plastic Exchange. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Bamboo Innovations: A Sustainable Journey with Sahar Karoubi Join us in this episode as we sit down with Sahar Karoubi, the visionary founder of Bambuyu, a UAE-based brand dedicated to crafting sustainable bamboo toilet paper, tissues, and kitchen rolls. Sahar walks us through her entrepreneurial journey, ignited by a curiosity for environmentally conscious tissue products, and shares the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Bambuyu's growth In this insightful conversation, Sahar explores the vital role empathy played in starting her journey and how it continues to drive positive change in the sustainable living landscape. Discover the inspiration behind Bambuyu's creation and its contribution to meeting the rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Building Tomorrow’s Cities: A Conversation with Dr. Sultan Alshareef In this episode of the PepsiCo One Action podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sultan Alshareef, the Suitability Director of the New Murabaa in Riyadh. Dr. Alshareef, a seasoned sustainability expert, has played a pivotal role in shaping the environmental landscape of Saudi Arabia. Join us as we delve into the core of urban development, exploring how to build suitable cities and communities for the future. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Scaling Sustainability: A Dive into Startups with Philip Bahoshy In this episode, we sit down with Philip Bahoshy, the founder of Magnitt, a groundbreaking platform for analytics, data, and insights covering startups, investors, and funds in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey. Our conversation delves into the world of sustainable startups, exploring how founders in this field can scale their ventures and attract crucial investments. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Harmony in Architecture: Adib Dada's Vision for Sustainable Communities Join us in this episode of the PepsiCo One Action podcast as we delve into the world of architecture and sustainable design with Adib Dada, the visionary founder of theOtherDada [tOD]. Adib shares insights into his holistic design approach, where nature and people form the core of his creations. One highlight of Adib's groundbreaking work is the Tarabot Sustainability Pavilion at Art Jameel in Dubai, coinciding with COP28. Adib explains the unique features of this pavilion and how it embodies his commitment to sustainable practices and community. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Seeding Change: Abdullah Sahab's Journey in Revolutionizing Agriculture Join us in this episode as Abdullah Sahab, the founder of iRama, shares the company's journey in the realms of biodynamic agriculture, soilless farming, and the creation of artificial agricultural environments. Discover how iRama's revolutionary products and technologies extend beyond traditional boundaries, offering accessibility not only to regular consumers for home use but also in commercial spaces. As we explore this intersection of sustainability, technology, and agriculture, Abdullah sheds light on iRama's commitment to enhancing food security and sustainability. Learn how these advancements are not only shaping a cleaner and more organic future but are also addressing the critical issue of food security on a global scale. Subscribe now to the PepsiCo One Action podcast and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Cultivating Sustainability: Omar Al Jundi on Revolutionizing Agriculture and Nourishing the Region In this episode of PepsiCo One Action we're excited to have Omar Al Jundi, the visionary founder and CEO of Badia Farms, on the show. Omar, a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture, established Badia Farms in 2016, a MENA vertical farm company that addresses food insecurity in the Middle East. Join the conversation as Omar shares his insights into transforming the agricultural landscape through vertical farming and sustainable practices. Discover how Badia Farms is pioneering a new era of food production, contributing to regional food security and sustainable agriculture. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of reshaping the future of farming in the Middle East. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that delves into the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and food security.

Futuristic Visions: Alanoud Alhashmi on Innovation, Impact, and the Path to a Better Tomorrow In this episode of PepsiCo One Action we’re thrilled to have Alanoud Alhashmi, the CEO and Founder of The Futurist Company ,as a guest. Alanoud is an Emirati futurist, thought leader, and serial entrepreneur. Join us as she shares her insights into the power of innovation and technology, emphasizing their potential to create impactful solutions that make a difference regionally and globally. Get ready to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact with Alanoud Alhashmi. Discover how her vision and entrepreneurial spirit are shaping the future, and gain valuable perspectives on leveraging technology for positive change. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a visionary leader who is dedicated to creating a brighter future through the fusion of innovation and action.

We’re joined this week by Zaid Souqi, founder of Orenda Tribe, which is a movement for the youth to create change through art and storytelling. You can shop their collection on their website, and download their Adventure of a Plastic Bottle game here.This brings us to the end of the first season of One Action. Thank you for joining us and we hope you were able to learn about some of the fantastic initiatives and actions taken by innovators in our region. We’ll be back soon!

We’re joined this week by Dr. Eman Alhajji, who is spearheading the youth movement in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alhajji shares how Saudi Youth for Sustainability has grown to 1,200 members strong, and how we can all become the change we seek through simple actions.

Applications for the second regional edition of our Greenhouse Accelerator program are now open!Listen in for more details about this year’s themes, and hear from Rabih Char, founder of Nadeera, which one the first regional edition of the Accelerator.Selected companies will receive a $20,000 cash grant, mentorship and more; one winning company will receive an additional $100,000 in funding, and a potential opportunity to partner with PepsiCo.You can apply until 10 April 2023.

We’re joined this week by His Excellency Dr. Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment in Lebanon. Dr. Yassin shares the role of environmental governance as a key driver for sustainable development, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, and how they’re looking to support the youth and entrepreneurs.

We’re joined this week by Dr. Reem Al Mealla, a marine biologist based in Bahrain who has led a number of initiatives focused on ocean conservation and preservation of biodiversity. Dr. Mealla explains why oceans are critical to food security and shares her advice if you’re looking to pursue a career in marine biology or ecology.Links:Ocean Solutions that Benefit People, Nature and the Economy (High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy)IPCC Climate Change Report 2022Dr. Reem Al Mealla’s Website

We’re joined this week by Daniel Solomon, the founder of HeroGo, a company fighting food waste by rescuing the so-called 'ugly' fruits and vegetables. According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year worldwide. Daniel shares how they’re creating impact through the use of technology to prevent fruits & vegetables from going to the landfills.

We’re joined on the show this week by the first female Emirati pastry chef in the region, Sahar Al Awadhi. She has worked with the Jumeirah Group in the UAE, and was Pastry Chef at the Burj Al Arab. She explains how chefs can source and use food more sustainably, and why they play a key role in the value chain.

This week, we’re bringing you a special episode from Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, where we spoke to thought leaders about our collective journey to creating a COP of action.On the episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, the President & Founder of the Arab International Women’s Forum, Dr. Nabil Alyousuf, Senior Fellow at Posterity Institute and former Director General of the Executive Office of HH Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, Firas Wahbeh, Chief Marketing Officer at BEEAH Group, as well as voices from PepsiCo sharing their insights and key takeaways from this dynamic platform.

We’re joined this week by Dr. Mark Tester, Professor of plant science and associate director at the Center for Desert Agriculture at the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology. He’s also the co-founder of Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, where they focus on reducing the water footprint to make the food systems more sustainable. Dr. Tester explains the challenges of the food-water-energy nexus, some of the impact of his work with Red Sea, and his advice to the young entrepreneurs who want to explore innovations in sustainability.

Rabih El Chaar joins us on the show to talk about Nadeera, the UAE-based social enterprise that won the first edition of the PepsiCo MENA Greenhouse Accelerator Program in 2022. Rabih shares how they‘ve reached a milestone of 100 tonnes of waste saved from landfills, and why 2023 could become the year our region adopts recycling at scale.

Nelly Attar is the first Arab woman to summit K2, and has scaled 14 peaks across the world, including Mount Everest. She started out as a mental health professional, and later found her purpose in sports & physical fitness.We’ll be taking a short break for the new year, and returning with new episodes on January 18. See you then!

Dr. Saeed Alhassan joins us on the show to talk about Manhat, his deep-tech startup focusing on natural water distillation without the use of electricity, and their evolution to floating farm solutions to improve water and food security.