DOHA: Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar University (QU) and Mubadara for Social Impact will organise the 2nd edition of the Qatar Social Responsibility Conference and Exhibition from April 30 to May 2 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) under the theme 'The Future of CSR in a Circular Economy'.
Organised by Mubadara for Social Impact, the forthcoming Qatar CSR Summit 2024 is integral to the 11th Qatar CSR National Program. In addition to the conference and exhibition, the event will feature the annual Qatar CSR National Report and the Qatar CSR Awards. This program recognizes both organisations and individuals who have integrated corporate responsibility into their business ethos and practices, thereby fostering positive outcomes for stakeholders and pioneering innovative sustainable solutions to pertinent social issues.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU and Chairman of the Conference Steering Committee Prof. Rana Sobh said, "The 2nd edition of the conference represents a substantial advancement compared to its inaugural iteration held last May, whether in terms of participation or the topics covered."
She added the event enjoys the vast support of dozens of public and private Qatari entities among others. In addition to leading local organizations, this year highlights extensive international participation from a range of esteemed academic and humanitarian institutions, such as the UN Global Compact, UNESCO, and the International Labor Organization. The conference also features the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS) as an academic partner. Launched by QU's College of Business and Economics in October of the preceding year, MEBAS boasts 15 accredited business schools from the region, bringing valuable academic insight and expertise to the event."
Sobh emphasized that 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. Esteemed experts and academics will lead these sessions from top business schools and participating international organizations. The conference will also host over 15 international speakers during its sessions and accompanying workshops.
President of Mubadara for Social Impact and CEO of the National CSR Program Dr. Saif Ali Al Hajri said: "The remarkable success of last year's event has captured the interest of numerous regional and international stakeholders in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and social development. We are excited about the extensive international participation anticipated this year."
Dr Al Hajri added, "This event brings together key players in the field of corporate social responsibility from all over the world, promising to promote engaging discussions, facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise, and embrace CSR global best practices and impactful initiatives in Qatar." Speaking about the Qatar CSR Awards, Jack Saba, General Manager of Mubadara, said, "Last year, the Qatar CSR Awards honoured the best CSR programs and initiatives in Qatar, spanning over 37 government and private entities across various sectors."
Saba invited all organisations and companies implementing CSR programs and initiatives to apply this year for one of the awards given in 20 different categories. A special judging committee comprising professors and academics from QU. Coinciding with International Workers Day will carry out the selection of winners, the Awards Gala Dinner will be held on May 1. The ceremony will also pay recognition to the event sponsors and supporters, he added.
General Manager of IFP Qatar Haidar Mshaimesh underscored the importance of the summit in enhancing social responsibility in the country.
