A recent survey on Middle East leaders views on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across different business functionalities stated that 22 percent of companies focus on CSR activities, followed by 17 percent on general management[1]. The survey was conducted across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Jordan and Qatar.
“The UAE utilizes massive levels of water and energy in huge projects. The need of the hour is ultra green solutions like solar energy plants and options in bio-fuel. The region needs to work with nature and utilize more natural resources like water, land and sunlight,” said Alan Knight, Founder of Single Planet Living; Independent Advisor to Virgin Group and speaker at the 7th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit.
Key discussions points at the summit are set to include CSR opportunities in recessionary times, CSR as a risk management tool and dealing with CSR controversies.
CSR initiatives have moved beyond purely social causes to support the environment and environmental sustainability. Corporations are now seeking a more holistic approach to show social responsibility within the framework of their current and future business operations.
“Good CSR should not be seen as a burden but a benefit to both businesses and the community. The key is to view it as an investment, rather than an expense,” said Bansri Shah, Director, CSR Summit.
The four-day summit will witness high-level speakers that include Robert Swan OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North
and South poles, Habiba Al-Marshi, Chairwoman of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), Tom Ehr, Director of MTV Foundation, Thomas Bergmark, Sustainability Manager, IKEA among others.
The 7th CSR Summit is being held from May 30th – June 3rd, 2010 at Hotel Shangri-La, Dubai, UAE.
