Experts join participants of the recently-concluded 5th Qatar International Businesswomen Forum for a family photo. The meeting dwelt upon women empowerment and its increasing role in the economic, political, and cultural development of Qatar.
The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) and Interactive Business Network have concluded the fifth edition of the Qatar International Businesswomen Forum (QIBWF) held from December 16 and 17 at the St Regis Doha Hotel.
The annual forum highlighted Qatar’s “ambitious national journey of human development and sustainable economic diversification built on human capital.”
It also discussed plans related to economic development and responsible growth objectives, as well as women empowerment and its increasing role in the economic, political, and cultural development of the country.
One of the sessions, moderated by Dr Aisha al-Mannai highlighted “the growing importance of corporate social responsibility in business strategy and mission statements” and “comparing Arab women business leaders in CSR initiatives with developed economics.”
Another session delved on “social responsibility strategies for reducing poverty” while the topic “meaning, scope, and applications of social innovation” was well-received by the participants.
“The forum was incredibly successful and has rapidly gained a unique status as a major annual event in Qatar and the region whether in terms of the size and level of attendance, relevance and rich nature of its topics and debates, the qualities and expertise of its panellists and speakers, or its impeccable organisation,” the QBWA said.
According to the QBWA, the forum agreed on the following key recommendations: to direct international companies to support women in investment; to include the innovation and entrepreneurship in the education curriculum of the region, and to encourage aspiring women to take advantage of institutions supporting new businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, which provide financial and consultancy solutions.
Other recommendations include creating cooperative partnership with the civil society to increase the social responsibility, determining the objectives for social responsibility to achieve sustainability, and to build social services funds.
“With a stellar cast of women achievers and businessmen from across the world among the distinguished line-up of speakers at the event, this year’s forum was another huge success, a major media event, and a great opportunity for businesswomen in the Gulf and beyond,” the QBWA added.
