Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Qatar University and Mubadara for Social Impact on Tuesday revealed that the second edition of the Qatar CSR Summit is all set to take place under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani from April 30 to May 2 at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) under the theme of ‘The Future of CSR in a Circular Economy’.
The details were revealed during a press conference hosted by the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University, and attended by the Dean of the College, Prof. Rana Sobh, and several representatives of the event’s partners and sponsors.
Speaking on the occasion, Sobh, who is also the Chair of the Conference Steering Committee, said: “The conference in its second edition will witness a qualitative leap compared to its first edition, which was held in May of last year, whether in terms of participation, or the topics it will cover. In addition to the wide participation and support of dozens of local governmental and semi-governmental agencies and Qatari private sector companies, this year highlights the broad international participation by a group of academic and humanitarian institutions and bodies, the most important of which are the Academic Partner, the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS), which was launched by the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University last October, and includes 15 accredited business schools from the region, the Sustainability Partner, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the Global Partner, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank Group (WBG), the Global Business School Network (GBSN), and others.
“In addition to that, we are expecting a significant attendance of many professionals, academics, and specialists from various universities in the Gulf region and the Middle East.”
Referring to this year’s theme ‘The Future of CSR in a Circular Economy’, Sobh said, “The conference agenda promises to be packed with thought-provoking panel discussions, informative interventions, and interactive workshops covering various aspects of the circular economy, sustainability, and human rights. These sessions will be led by esteemed experts and academics from top business schools and participating international organizations. The conference will also host over 15 international speakers during its sessions and accompanying workshops.”
Indeed, this year’s lineup of sponsors and partners includes a wide range of governmental and semi-governmental agencies, private sector companies, and international bodies that come together to highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility for the future of society and business alike.
The list of sponsors and participants in the event includes the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government Partner, QNB Group, the OfficialBank, Ooredoo, the Exclusive Telecommunications Sponsor, Your Health First initiative from Weill Cornell Medicine and Snoonu, the Golden Sponsors, Aamal, Al Faisal Holding, Al Abdulghani Motors, Lulu, Baladi Express and fmm, the Silver Sponsors, Gulf Crafts, the Sustainable Contracting Partner, Dallah Holding, the Production Partner, the Tech4Good Sponsor, Qatar Cancer Society, Awsaj Academy, Sanea, and Al Darwish Interserve Facility Management, the Bronze Sponsors, Naya Water. , the Exclusive Water Sponsor, and others.
Commenting on QNB’s sponsorship for the Summit. Abdulrahman Khalid Al Naama, Acting Vice President - CSR and Sponsorship, Public Relations at QNB, said: “QNB is proud to be the Official Bank of Qatar CSR Summit 2024 for the second year in a row as part of our support for the National Social Responsibility Program and in line with our initiatives. We hope that this event will provide a unique opportunity for all of us to review and discuss the most important social responsibility practices, sustainability issues and main challenges, and propose appropriate solutions to integrate environmental, economic, and social goals into the business model of national institutions, private sector companies and the financial sector. To support the corporate social responsibility system in the national economy, we also hope that this sponsorship will have a positive impact on the success of the Summit and achieve the desired results that contribute to consolidating the social responsibility system in our institutions.”
On behalf of Ooredoo, Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Director Public Relation Sponsorship & CSR, said: “At Ooredoo, we see Corporate Social Responsibility not as an optional add-on but as a vital part of our business identity. It is our belief that true corporate success comes from contributing positively to societal progress while ensuring our operations and strategies are sustainable in the long run. This dual focus enriches our communities and enhances our organizational resilience and innovation, securing a better future for all stakeholders involved.”
For his part, Aamal Company CEO Rashid bin Ali Al Mansouri commented on the company’s sponsorship of the event by saying: “We thank Qatar University for organising this valuable conference that would shed light on the importance of corporate social responsibility and its role in developing the society and cooperation with various institutions in order to achieve sustainable development, as well as the prominent role of preserving the environment. It is our pleasure to be among the sponsors of the Qatar CSR Summit 2024.
“Participation in this event is not only a responsibility, but also a testament to our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. We at Aamal Company believe in the ability of companies to create positive change. This summit also provides a platform for exchanging ideas, communicating with fellow companies, and learning from diverse experiences in this field. Together, we can leverage our resources and expertise to address social and environmental challenges and pave the way to a more sustainable future.”
Highlighting their participation for the first time ever, Snoonu Business Development Manager Shaymaa Al Qarni said, “This participation highlights the company’s commitment to showcasing its Qatari roots and supporting the local community, as the event provides an ideal platform for Snoonu to demonstrate its commitment to promoting local talent and contributing to the growth of the economy as a local technological solution. Through our participation, we will seek to highlight Snoonu’s participation in social responsibility as a technology company committed to its role towards society, spreading the spirit of entrepreneurship within Qatar, and promoting charitable initiatives and community projects that contribute to spreading awareness and goodness.”
Expressing his pleasure for being part of Qatar CSR Summit 2024, Al Faisal Holding Chief Procurement Officer Abdulrazaq Al Kuwari said, “We at Al Faisal Holding recognize the importance of the role of the private sector in supporting community development and preserving the environment, and we view corporate social responsibility as an essential part of our identity. Through collaboration with various institutions, we are committed to creating long-term positive change in the communities around us and working towards a more sustainable future.”
Nesreen Al Rifai, Chief Communications, External Affairs and Development Officer at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, said: “Sahtak Awalan - Your Health First is very pleased to engage with Qatar CSR to support initiatives which benefit the diverse and thriving community by encouraging innovation, fostering societal cohesion, and enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability. It is very gratifying to take part in the Qatar CSR summit, since we share the same ambitious goals for supporting the community in Qatar.”
Al Abdulghani Motors Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs Eiman Al Ansari said, “We are pleased to be joining CSR Summit 2024 in continuation of our activity in supporting many community and environmental initiatives in the State of Qatar, which reflects the company’s belief in partnership of the private sector with the state to achieve the principle of sustainability and community development in general, and our commitment to community participation.”
Joining the summit for the second years on the row is Facilities Management and Maintenance (FMM). Patrick Isac, Senior Human Resources Manager at FMM said, “At FMM, we view corporate social responsibility as the cornerstone of our mission, driving us to lead the industry with a commitment to sustainable development and societal well-being. Partnering with the Qatar CSR Summit for the second consecutive year reaffirms our dedication to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
According to the organisers, Qatar CSR Summit provides a comprehensive platform for local and international experts and professionals in the field of social responsibility to discuss ways for institutions to employ this responsibility to integrate economic, social, and environmental goals within their work, and to highlight the importance of the role that companies, institutions and the private sector in general can play in developing the communities in which they operate in.
IFP Qatar is the company that organising the summit. IFP Qatar General Manager Haidar Mshaimesh said, “The summit seeks to achieve a set of main objectives, foremost of which is raising awareness of the importance of the role that profitable institutions and companies can play in society at all levels, and transferring leading global experiences in this field to the region while preserving local specificity.” Mshaimesh pointed out the organising committee’s efforts to strengthen Qatar’s role as a regional center for social responsibility, allowing the local organizations and companies to play a greater role in this framework.
An initiative by Mubadara for Social Impact, Qatar CSR Summit 2024 comes as part of the 11th Qatar CSR National Program. Alongside the conference and exhibition, the event will also include the annual Qatar CSR National Report and the prestigious Qatar CSR Awards; a special programme that aims to honnour organisations and individuals for embracing the principles of corporate responsibility in their business philosophy and operations to achieve a positive impact on their stakeholders and adopt innovative sustainable solutions to pressing social challenges.
In this regard, Mubadara for Social Impact General Manager Jack Saba announced that official Qatar CSR Awards Gala Dinner will be held on May 1 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel. Saba noted that the organising committee received more than 100 submissions of the awards, out of which 40 winners will be selected to be recognised, alongside the Summit’spartners and sponsors.
