As the world celebrates UN Global Volunteer Day on December 5, DP World in the Americas is reflecting on its decade of contributions to communities across the region. From beach cleanups to women-specific training programs and investments in local communities, our efforts align perfectly with the 2024 UN Global Volunteer Day theme: “Diverse volunteers, stronger communities.”
Volunteering is about coming together to shape a better world. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, aptly noted that “volunteers embody the best of humanity.” Over the past 10 years, DP World has proven this, with more than 41,000 employees worldwide contributing nearly 175,000 hours to transform communities. Here’s how DP World is driving change throughout our network.
Cleaning Up the Planet, One Beach at a Time
Environmental conservation is at the core of DP World’s volunteering initiatives. As one of the world’s leading port operators, we focus on supporting beach conservation. For example, in Canada, teams removed over 325 kilograms or 717 pounds of litter from eight kilometers of coastline in 2024 alone. In Peru, volunteers removed nearly four tons of waste during three beach cleanup events in Callao. In Argentina, beach cleanups were combined with workshops to educate participants about the environmental impact of waste, blending action with awareness. In Chile, more than 110 terminal workers in Lirquén led beach cleanups while educating local communities about the importance of environmental conservation.
From cigarette butts to plastic pieces, these efforts protect aquatic wildlife while raising awareness about pollution.
Greening Communities with Mangroves and Forests
In Suriname, DP World employees have been planting mangroves since 2019, with 394 trees planted to date. In 2023, 22 volunteers planted 50 mangroves as part of the Weg naar Zee rehabilitation project, helping protect coastlines and sequester carbon. Meanwhile, Ecuador launched a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative, planting over 230,000 mangroves across 105 hectares in areas like El Morro and Isla Puná. This effort supports 400 families and absorbs 6,500 tons of CO2, showcasing the intersection of environmental and community impact.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice through education helps prepare young people for the workforce as another key pillar of DP World’s volunteering efforts. In Peru, 4,293 students participated in workshops on water conservation and climate change during World Water Day and World Oceans Day. Volunteers incorporated storytelling into the sessions, making environmental lessons engaging for children.
In Argentina, volunteers conducted playful school workshops on recycling and water conservation. One session reached 87 students aged eight- to nine-years, teaching them to assemble eco-bottles. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, students also visited ecological reserves, providing them with hands-on experiences in nature.
At Chile’s San Antonio terminal, DP World hosted technical talks for students pursuing port-related careers.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups
DP World is breaking barriers for women in male-dominated industries. In the Dominican Republic, the “Women Forklift Program” trained 15 women to operate heavy machinery, creating career opportunities previously unavailable to them. In Ecuador, the “Operators of the Future” program licensed eight women to handle heavy equipment, further advancing gender equality in logistics.
In Chile, support for the Las Rosas de Santo Domingo Sports Club has provided therapeutic rowing opportunities for women recovering from breast cancer, improving their physical and emotional well-being. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s training programs for women artisans in Dos Mangas have empowered them to commercialize their crafts, fostering economic independence.
Feeding Communities and Supporting Families
Food security is another area where DP World is making a difference. In Canada, the Prince Rupert team prepared and delivered 160 food hampers to local students in need. Volunteers in Vancouver contributed to the YWCA Rooftop Garden, which produces over 1,500 pounds of food annually for families in crisis.
In Argentina, volunteers organized donation drives for school supplies, toys, and Christmas boxes, supporting vulnerable families throughout the year. These efforts bring a personal touch to corporate responsibility, ensuring that no family is left behind.
Promoting Health and Well-Being
DP World’s volunteers are also prioritizing health. In Suriname, employees volunteered to renovate a delivery room at the St. Vincentius Hospital as part of the “Adopt a Hospital Room” project. In Peru, volunteers brightened the lives of 130 elderly residents in Callao shelters through Mother’s, Father’s, and Senior’s Day celebrations. These events combined donations with quality time, offering care and companionship to those in need.
In Canada, employees hosted the “Mission Possible Power Breakfast,” serving meals to vulnerable residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Beyond providing nourishment, the initiative fosters dignity and connection.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital skills are vital in today’s world, and DP World is stepping up to bridge the gap. In Peru, the company transformed classrooms into digital learning spaces equipped with 24 computers, benefiting 430 children and 20 teachers. Similarly, the “Future Vision Program” in the Dominican Republic has reached over 5,000 young people, focusing on education, youth networks, and women’s empowerment.
Globally, the DP World Education Programme aims to impact 100,000 students over the next five years. With resources like virtual reality port tours, STEM workshops, and career development materials, the initiative prepares youth for an evolving global market.
A Decade of Impact
DP World’s volunteers have left an enduring mark everywhere—their efforts embody the transformative power of volunteering and prove that small actions can lead to monumental change.
As DP World’s Global Volunteer Week unfolds from December 2-13, 2024, the company is raising the bar once again, aiming for 600 volunteers to contribute 6,000 hours and benefit 8,000 people. Whether through mangrove planting, school workshops, or skilled volunteering, DP World employees are showing that the spirit of service is alive and thriving.
So, as the world celebrates UN Global Volunteer Day, it’s inspiring to reflect on how, when diverse volunteers unite for a common cause, the strength of the communities they build can be truly limitless.
