Third Annual CSR Conference Convenes in Doha

(Doha, 4 October 2011) – The Third Annual CSR Conference, convened under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Business, concluded today in Doha. The conference was attended by over 200 people and provided an opportunity for experts on corporate responsibility to engage with domestic and international companies operating in Qatar in an effort to advance sustainability practices within the country.

Opening remarks were delivered by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Shiekh Faisal Bin Qasim, President of the Qatari Businessmen Association; Mr. Talal Abugazelah, President of Abugazelah Group; and representatives from the UN Global Compact Office and the Ministry of Trade and Business. Remarks focused on the importance of corporate responsibility in line with both the Global Compact and the Qatar National Vision 2030, a strategy in which Qatar aims to be capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people.

The two-day conference highlighted several subjects, including the role of Governments in corporate responsibility and the role of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Participants discussed in-depth the various aspects of the Global Compact and best practices from local Qatari companies and multinationals operating there were featured. Recommendations of the conference included the establishment of a local CSR center that will be derived from the Global Compact principles.

The Conference also served as a preparatory meeting in the first steps toward developing a Global Compact Local Network in Qatar. The Global Compact is already firmly established in the region through a Local Network representing the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which was launched in 2008.

Contact

Walid Nagi
Regional Network Manager –MENA and Europe
UN Global Compact
nagi@un.org