Qatar University and Mubadara for Social Impact have announced the 2nd Qatar CSR Summit, sponsored by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Scheduled from April 30 to May 2 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), this year’s theme is ‘The Future of CSR in a Circular Economy’. The announcement was made during a press conference at the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University, attended by Dean Prof. Rana Sobh and various event partners and sponsors.
In her statement, Professor Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University and 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 commented: “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.”
This year’s Qatar CSR Summit features an extensive array of sponsors and partners from governmental, semi-governmental, private sectors, and international organizations, all emphasizing the crucial role of corporate social responsibility in shaping the future of society and business. Participants include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as the Government Partner, QNB Group as the Official Bank, Ooredoo as the Exclusive Telecommunications Sponsor, and the Your Health First initiative from Weill Cornell Medicine and Snoonu as Golden Sponsors. Additional sponsors include Aamal, Al-Faisal Holding, Al Abdulghani Motors, Lulu, Baladi Express, and fmm as Silver Sponsors, with Gulf Crafts as the Sustainable Contracting Partner, Dallah Holding as the Production Partner, and others like Qatar Cancer Society, Awsaj Academy, Sanea, and Al Darwish Interserve Facility Management as Bronze Sponsors. Naya Water serves as the Exclusive Water Sponsor.
Commenting on QNB’s sponsorship for the Summit. Mr. 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, Mr. Rashid bin Ali Al Mansouri, CEO of Aamal Company Q.P.S.C., commented on the company’s sponsorship of the event by saying: “We thank Qatar University for organizing 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, Shaymaa Al Qarni, Business Development Manager at Snoonu, 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.”
Mr. Abdulrazaq Al Kuwari, Chief Procurement Officer at Al Faisal Holding, expressed his pleasure for being part of Qatar CSR Summit 2024 by saying: “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.”
Ms. 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.”
In turn, Dr. Eiman Al Ansari, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Al Abdulghani Motors, 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 Sumit for the second years on the row is Facilities Management and Maintenance (FMM). Mr. Patrick Isac, Senior Human Resources Manager at the company 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.”
The organizers state that the Qatar CSR Summit serves as an essential platform for local and international experts to discuss how institutions can integrate economic, social, and environmental objectives through CSR. It also emphasizes the crucial role of companies and the private sector in community development.
In this regard, Haidar Mshaimesh, General Manager of IFP Qatar, the company organizing the Summit, 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 organizing 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.
The Qatar CSR Summit 2024, spearheaded by Mubadara for Social Impact, is part of the 11th Qatar CSR National Program. The event includes a conference, exhibition, the annual Qatar CSR National Report, and the prestigious Qatar CSR Awards. This awards program recognizes organizations and individuals that integrate corporate responsibility into their business strategies to positively impact stakeholders and offer sustainable solutions to social issues. Mr. Jack Saba, General Manager of Mubadara for Social Impact, announced that the Qatar CSR Awards Gala Dinner will take place on May 1st at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel. He noted that the committee received over 100 award submissions, with 40 winners to be honored along with the Summit’s partners and sponsors.
