COMPANIES IN QATAR are looking to actively enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies in light of the current global economic situation, according to the organisers of Qatar?s first major conference on the issue that took place recently.
While some business groups internationally are reducing their support for charitable and community activities because of economic pressures, many Qatarbased companies are moving in the opposite direction, providing higher levels of community engagement to reassure the people of Qatar and enable the nation?s ongoing growth and development.
This high level of community support reflects the traditions and practices of local businesses, say the organisers. As well as hosting international expert speakers on CSR, the Corporate Social Responsibility Conference, held under the patronage of Minister of Business and Trade HE Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Abdulrahman al- Thani, provided a platform to showcase the progressive policies of many of Qatar?s leading companies to the world.
Telecommunications major Qtel sponsored and spoke at the event, discussing its long-standing practices of investing in the local community and local charities. The company has recently organised its ongoing strategy into five key pillars, under the core message ?For Qatar, Hand in Hand,? which looks to prioritise its support for Education; Healthcare; Environmental Issues; Sport; and Social Welfare initiatives. Qtel?s CSR approach has been so effective in Qatar that the Qtel Group is increasingly exporting this approach across its international operations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
?Qatari companies have long understood their responsibilities to the local community and have consistently shown their support for activities that improve the lives and environment of the people of Qatar. This conference will be an important opportunity to share examples of best practice in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility from within Qatar with our international colleagues,? said Ahmed Ahen, Director of Economic and Trade Organization, Ministry of Business and Trade, Qatar.
