Please find below a quick summary of the updates on csrmiddleeast.org. 2012 had a fast start at the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field in the Middle East region.

The most read CSR News in January 2012:

AHLIBANK has outlined its expanded CSR strategy for 2012, focusing on a key social theme each month as well as better financial planning. (http://goo.gl/CaA0q) QATARGAS received a certificate of appreciation for effectively contributing to the Sustainable Development Industry (SDI) Initiative and has reiterated its commitment to sustainable development. (http://goo.gl/zpKTH) An overwhelming majority of people (90 percent) who responded to a recent SURVEY in SAUDI ARABIA believe that the government is willing to support the business community in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. (http://goo.gl/uUBgJ)PEPSICO has launched an integrated Social Responsibility campaign in partnership with the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), through which PepsiCo aims to establish a national presence in the field of humanitarianism. (http://goo.gl/zuJDx) The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business-published CSR Al Youm, the last newsletter of 2011. (http://goo.gl/AMOxz) UAE-based Arabia CSR Network and the Swedish Business Council signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to bolster the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility and best practices in the Arab region. (http://goo.gl/F11mg) Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC introduced their CSR strategy details. (http://goo.gl/uNe0h) Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the regulatory body of Dubai Silicon Oasis announced a comprehensive CSR strategy based on three main pillars: environment, human capital and community. (http://goo.gl/HMWfG) "CEOs' voices are being joined by an emerging generation of future business leaders who see personal responsibility, corporate responsibility, and societal responsibility as one continuous line," said Rana Ghandour Salhab, regional Talent and Communications partner, Deloitte Middle East. (http://goo.gl/ulGYU) The Mithaq Company for Social Responsibility and the Abraj (Towers) Al-Ola company signed a contract for partnership in social responsibility. The contract was signed at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (http://goo.gl/tlvYy) Rawabi Holding Talent Exhibit linked with Liqaat, a Ministry of Labor and Human Resources Development Fund forum tasked with developing a comprehensive solution for Saudization in the private sector, an initiative also known as "job fair". (http://goo.gl/4TThN)Canon Middle East, leader in imaging solutions, has announced that corporate social responsibility (CSR) will be one of the key focus areas as it continues with its 10-month celebration of the 10th anniversary of its headquarters in the region. (http://goo.gl/1Xokp)

Jobs posted in January 2012:

• Project / Construction Manager (IPP) - Saudi Arabia / Allen&York (Jan 12)
• CSR and Events Coordinator - The Varkey GEMS Foundation / Dubai (Jan 12)
• Environmental Consultant - Site Based (Jan 12)
• CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OFFICER (Jan 12)

Past CSR Events in January 2012:

• GRI Certified Training on Sustainability Reporting in Qatar
• Essential skills for brokering multi-stakeholder partnerships, Midd...
• GRI Certified Training on Sustainability Reporting in Oman
• GRI Certified Training on Sustainability Reporting in Bahrain
• GRI Certified Course

New videos uploaded in January 2012:

• Rawabi CSR Commercials on MBC and Al Arabia
• Emirates Environment - Emvironment
• Abraaj Capital: KESC Biogas Project
• Zayed Future Energy Prize on CNN's "PRISM" aired on Oct 27, 2011
• Gulf Environment Forum 2011
• TEDxArabia 2011 Maryam Bilal & Stephen Stapleton - Edge Of Arabia
• Osama Sarhan - Rotana Khalejiah - CSR

Visit CSR Middle East to follow daily CSR updates from the Middle East region. I hope you enjoy the above summary.