Tribune News Network
Doha
Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference activities commenced on Monday. The event operates under the slogan “National Resilience and Disaster Recovery,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, local and international figures active in the field, as well as a host of partners and sponsors of this prominent economic and scientific event.
The conference was inaugurated by Sultan bin Rashid Al-Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Qasem bin Faisal Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Businessmen Association and Sheikh Khalid bin Thani bin Abdulla Al Thani, Second Deputy to the Chairman of Qatar Businessmen Association, Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and distinguished guests.
Engineer Abdullatif Al-Yafei, Chairman of the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference, highlighted that the changes the world is witnessing have compelled decision-makers, whether in government agencies or private sector companies—large and small—to face major challenges imposed by artificial intelligence, the “Industrial Revolution 4.0,” and security stakes. These challenges have forced everyone, without exception, to act flexibly, innovate, and maintain a high level of vigilance with the aim of ensuring the continuation of public and private work.
Chairman Al-Yafei added that the State of Qatar, cognizant of the importance of changes, launched initiatives considering these developments, which emerged during its organization of the 2022 World Cup. Risk management, business continuity, and crisis management systems were applied in many large and medium-sized companies and institutions in various fields. The country is continuing to consolidate these gains in accordance with its national vision for the year 2030.
The announcement of the Business Continuity and Resilience (BCR) network was also made. It will serve as a platform for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and visions to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of public and private institutions and companies. Engineer Abdul Latif Al-Yafei appealed to all professionals and experts in the field of risk management, business continuity, crisis management, and recovery from disaster to take the initiative to join the network through the conference website.
In its third edition, the conference focuses, through research papers presented by experts in its five sessions, on various crucial topics within business continuity and flexibility. These include national resistance and its future aspirations, the flexibility of financial and national institutions, flexibility in city management operations, crisis management planning, and cybersecurity.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman, stressed out the importance of the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference in Qatar, especially after the country’s great successes in recent years and the achievement of many legislative and infrastructure goals that serve local and foreign investors, as Qatar demonstrated its full readiness during its success in organizing the 2022 World Cup, which accelerated the achievement of Qatar Vision 2030 goals, where the private sector also played a prominent role through partnerships with government entities.
In the same context, Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, QBA Deputy Chairman, said that the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference comes at a special time to confirm that Qatar is an attractive investment destination for investors, as it offers tax concessions, economic and industrial zones, and logistical zones in addition to the availability of banking facilities to support projects, he also added that at the same time, Qatar has largely achieved the goals of Qatar Vision 2030, which makes it ready to diversify its investments.
Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, CEO, and member of the Board of Directors of the United Development Company pointed out that United Development Company possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in these fields. Being the first real estate development company to integrate these programs, the Pearl Island is considered the first residential community in the State of Qatar to implement comprehensive systems and strategies for managing business continuity and flexibility in accordance with International ISO standards. This approach highlights the company’s ability to effectively deal with incidents while maintaining essential functions, demonstrating its firm commitment to safety standards and operational excellence in all aspects of its developmental projects.
The importance of the topics discussed in the conference was emphasized by Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman. He stated, “By sponsoring the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference, we at the United Development Company emphasize the importance of incorporating best practices in the field of business continuity, seeking to activate the benefits of this knowledge for all participants and highlight the vital role of flexibility in enhancing trust within the business community.”
Malcolm Jordan, CEO of Baladna, explained that Baladna’s sponsorship of the Business Continuity and Resilience Conference stems from its belief in the successes achieved by previous editions and the role of this forum in strengthening the local business world in its various fields. It provides an effective platform to discuss the current reality of investments, emphasizing the need to rely on risk management plans to ensure continuity and move it forward.
Baladna is keen on strengthening this through the current forum, which will constitute an opportunity to present its pioneering experience in the world of the food industry and contribute to achieving food security and adapting to the crises that may be faced from time to time, highlighting its success in supplying the entire demands of the local market in a short time.
Khalid Al Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology expressed satisfaction in being part of this significant event. He emphasized the event’s focus on business continuity and flexibility as crucial elements in safeguarding the supply chain and ensuring the sustainability of industries, especially in the face of disasters. The Ministry, committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the resilience of businesses, is dedicated to actively backing this conference. Al Hashemi highlighted the conference’s valuable role in supporting the entrepreneurial community, reinforcing the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to this cause.
The global dimension was taken into account during the current edition of the conference through the presence of many global experts dedicated within this sector, including Stephen Sidebottom, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Risk Management Organization (IRM). He expressed his pride in partnering with the Business Continuity and Resilience Network in the State of Qatar, developing the vital areas of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Business Continuity.
He stressed the commitment to promoting a global culture of risk preparedness and the ability to withstand emerging challenges, praising the conference program, which holds tremendous value for local companies.
For her part, Carol Shea, President of the Disaster Recovery Organization for the Middle East (DRII), expressed her elation to participate in the conference activities. It is considered a strategic cooperation to enhance and encourage resilience in the State of Qatar.
The Business Continuity and Resilience Network in Qatar has distinguished relations and experience in communicating with the industrial and commercial sectors, as well as government institutions. Together they can help these sectors enhance resilience through educational programs and activities.
