Al-Bireh – As part of the celebration of Palestinian Consumer Day, Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products Company (Candia) sponsored a workshop titled "Fair Transition Towards Sustainable Living", organized by the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection. Representatives from the Environmental Quality Authority attended the event, experts in climate change and food security, members of the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection Association, and representatives from various professional and labor associations.
The workshop included several research papers on various topics. Dr. Yara Dahdal, Programs Director at Palestine Nature Association, presented a paper on "Climate Change and Food Security." Meanwhile, development expert Marwan Darzi discussed "The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Their Alignment in Palestine." Additionally, Abdel Nasser Dweikat, General Manager of the National Carton Industry Company, presented a paper on sustainability, while Dr. Shaker Khalil, an economics professor at An-Najah National University, moderated the discussion session.
Mr. Imad Al-Hindi, General Manager of Al-Tayf Dairy and Food Products Company (Candia), expressed the company’s pride in sponsoring this distinguished event. He emphasized the importance of promoting Palestinian consumer rights amid current economic challenges and fluctuating commodity prices in the local market.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Al-Hindi highlighted that the company utilizes energy-efficient technologies in its production processes and continuously strives to reduce its environmental impact. This includes adopting eco-friendly practices such as minimizing the consumption of natural resources and improving waste management. He added that these initiatives align with the company’s vision to enhance sustainability and ensure a safer future for future generations.
Al-Hindi also expressed pride in the company's ongoing partnership with the Consumer Protection Association, praising its role in defending consumer rights and combating fraud and deception. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing the best and healthiest products for Palestinian consumers.
In his opening speech, Salah Haniya, Chairman of the Palestinian Society for Consumer Protection, noted that the world celebrates Consumer Day through activities that align with the central theme set by the International Consumer Organization, despite differing circumstances across countries. He pointed out that choosing the theme of "Sustainable Living" and linking it to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals reflects the global trend toward strengthening consumer rights according to international standards. He also highlighted the association’s success in establishing effective coordination with its counterparts in Arab countries, facilitating the exchange of information and expertise to raise awareness about consumer rights and ensure continuous communication among relevant parties.
Haniya added: "Through this workshop, we aim to convey a new message to consumers, emphasizing the concept of sustainable living and its impact on various aspects of life, including sustainable consumption, climate change and its effects on food security, sustainable transportation, reducing plastic use, renewable energy, emissions, and the importance of environmental sustainability and preservation."
During his speech at the workshop’s opening, Ahmed Abu Dhaher, Deputy Chairman of the Environmental Quality Authority, highlighted the authority’s efforts in promoting sustainable environmental development goals and protecting the environment from pollution. He stated: "We are working to reduce environmental impacts that threaten consumer health and safety."
The workshop participants recommended intensifying efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, stressing the importance of providing consumers with essential needs such as food and energy in a sustainable manner. They also emphasized the necessity of making sustainable and healthy choices more accessible and affordable for all segments of society.
