Under the patronage of the Qatari Minister of Business and Trade

11 Oct 2011  

Abu-Ghazaleh Highlights the Significant Impact of CSR on Society during the 3rd Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Conference

Based on my experience in the business world, extra efforts in the CSR domain will create an unmatched change in the Arab world - HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

DOHA---------October 11, 2011--------The Third Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conference held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Business and Trade concluded its activities at the Doha Sheraton Hotel.

The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Business and Trade, witnessed the participation of expert speakers on CSR from the UN Global Compact network, the World Bank and international and foreign companies operating within Qatar.

The Conference aimed at entrenching CSR principles in Qatar and shaping the government role and the private sector.
In his opening speech, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) highlighted the initiatives of all companies around the world saying: "It is the first step towards understanding the role of companies in society and a way to lead the transformation regarding the old concept of the companies’ independence from society.”

"It is the corporate duty and responsibility not to mention that the activities carried out by companies through CSR reflect one form of good citizenship. Based on my experience in the business world, extra efforts in the CSR domain will create an unmatched change in the Arab world which the society and the companies will benefit from," he said.

"I believe that successful companies which have the influence and financial power should be committed to create and introduce beneficial activities that benefit their societies," he added citing TAG-Org's experience and contribution to social and economic sustainable development.

He described the companies’ CSR as a social, ethical and philosophical rather than an organized act; calling to include the concept of CSR in university curriculum.

HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh addressed the United Nations’ role in this field saying that: "The UN has met the requirements as a global leader regarding the CSR through the development of the UN Global Compact which is an important initiative in this area on the international level and I am proud to have been its vice chair."

He added “Although the Global Compact is a mere voluntary initiative, it lacks mechanisms of supervision and implementation. However, it realizes a valuable degree of organization and credibility in social responsibility.”

CSR Conference is one of Qatar’s endeavors to maintain and boost sustainable development in the country and disseminate significance of corporate citizenship.

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