Companies in Qatar, both private and public, have been called upon to enhance their support on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues, in line with the guidelines of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The call to the companies came at the 3rd conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Business and Trade, at the Doha Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
While recalling the roles played by their companies in CSR-related activities in the last few years, the speakers said that both private and public sectors have contributed to and benefited from the growth of Qatar economy.
Hence they are duty-bound to support the CSR initiatives locally to suit the requirements of the society where they are involved.
Representing the main sponsors, Rasgas, acting managing director and  operations group manager Hamad Mubarak al-Mohannadi said that the framework of the annual conference reflects the wisdom of Qatar in demonstrating how public and private partnership could work to build the foundation of a more sustainable society  and better future for future generations.
“RasGas’ CSR programmes are aligned to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-16, strengthening our links with Qatari society and providing a structured framework for our corporate citizenship activities,” he said.
Al-Mohannadi said that under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar continued to build on its strategic framework, demonstrating that economic development, social equity and protection of environment can be managed in harmony through the collaboration of private and public partnership institutions.
Al Khaliji chief executive Robin McCall said that his company has accorded highest professional and ethical standards in protecting environment even while delivering best quality services to the people of Qatar.
McCall stressed the need for the private sector to continue support of CSR activities, which he described as “the fundamental pillars of the society”.
RasGas health, safety and environment (HSE) manager Bret Doherty, Total sustainable development co-ordinator Jeremy Roeygens, United Development Company deputy chief executive Abdulrahman al-Jawhari, Abugazaleh Group president Talal Abugazelah, Dolphin Energy HSE manager Ali al-Rahbi, and Ministry of Business and Trade director Ahmed al-Aherim were among others spoke at the conference.
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar Insurance Company chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani, and Municipal Council member Mohamed Jassim al-Maslamani attended the inaugural session.