CSR Conference highlights Qatar’s efforts in defeating siege

DOHA: The 5th Conference on Social Responsibility and Awards, held yesterday, highlighted the efforts made by Qatari society and institutions in defeating the unjust blockade imposed by the neighbouring countries.

The conference was aimed at spreading awareness about social responsibility through encouraging initiatives and highlighting achievements of individuals and companies in this field.

Organised by Dar Al Sharq under the theme “Responsibilities despite Challenges”, the conference was held at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies under the patronage of the Governor of Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (right), honouring Ahmed Al Maadheed — the artist behind iconic Tamim Al Majd portrait. 

Speaking at the conference Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Social Responsibility Committee, said that the conference this year is held under exceptional circumstances in view of the siege imposed on Qatar, which is in place for more than months. He also lauded the efforts taken by individuals and authorities in Qatar to overcome the siege and its effects in a short period. 

“Today’s conference was the fifth edition since we started it in 2013. Our aim is to increase awareness and knowledge about social responsibility and its positive impact on society and highlight activities by individuals, corporations and governmental and private institutions targeting the society,” he noted.  Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani also attended the event.

Addressing the conference, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani said that social responsibility has become a fundamental and important pillar of development at the international level.  “The concept of social responsibility has grown and evolved in recent years to take institutional and methodological forms, which led to a growing role for national and private institutions in achieving sustainable development,” he added.

H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani also pointed out that there is a dire need for deeper understanding of the notion of social responsibility, particularly in view of the challenges faced by Qatar as a result of the unjust siege and the conspiracies against it. He added that Qatari society, under the wise leadership, was able to take historical steps that have become a lesson for other to emulate in the field of social responsibility. 

Daam was the main sponsor of the conference out of its belief in the importance of social responsibility and its role in the development of society and the achievement of sustainable development and economic growth in the state, he said.

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (left), Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group, honouring one of the winners of the award.

Following the opening ceremony, the White Book was launched by Chairman Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani. 

The CSR Awards of 2017 were handed to number of governmental and non-governmental entities like the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Municipality and the Environment, the Qatar Central Bank, the National Human Rights Committee, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation “Kahramaa”, Qatar Chamber, Qatar Foundation for Social Work, Qatar Airways, Qatar University, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company, Baladna Company, Widam Food Company, and Qatar Charity.

Vice-President of Administration and Finance at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Dr Hind Al Muftah said in a speech that the hosting of the 5th Conference on Social Responsibility by the Institute is within its role of raising awareness about social responsibility. 

He added that the assessment of private sector companies is no longer dependent on their profitability, but on their ability to contribute to the process of community development. 

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (left), handing the award to a child representing the people of Qatar. Pics: Ibrahim Kutty

Giving presentation about ‘Social Responsibility 2018 and Afterwards’,  Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group, said that the economic values of profit and loss is no longer the only determinant of evaluating the performance of enterprises and companies, but other values that contribute to the advancement of the society and its members, including cultural and social values. 

Panel discussion sessions on the topic of ‘Responsibilities despite challenges’ and ‘Crisis Management’ were held on the side line of the conference to highlight the efforts of Qatari society and institutions against unjust siege.