Qatar CSR Summit 2025 inaugurated

Qatar CSR Summit 2025, being held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, was inaugurated Monday by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater.

The opening of the three-day event under the theme 'Sustainability in the Digital Age' at Qatar University’s (QU) Student Affairs Building, was attended by a large number of attendees, including representatives from ministries, government agencies, international organisations, businessmen, diplomats, academics and sponsors.

In her opening remarks, HE AlKhater stated that as part of its comprehensive educational policy, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is committed to promoting social responsibility within the public sector through a range of initiatives aimed at empowering Qatari youth, encouraging their active participation in the community, and fostering the values of good citizenship.

"We believe that social responsibility is not limited to individuals alone, but also extends to government institutions, which serve as a model in effectively utilising resources and capabilities for the benefit of society," she said while reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to advancing this approach through sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life and reinforcing Qatar’s global leadership in social responsibility.

In his welcoming speech, QU president Dr Omar al-Ansari, stressed that Qatar University's hosting of the Qatar CSR National Programme has enabled students to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world challenges, while fostering concepts of volunteering, community involvement, and environmental and social awareness. It has also contributed to the development of their leadership skills and empowered them to play an active role in improving their communities.

Hamad Mohammed al-Nasr, director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion at Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Ministry is dedicated to encouraging companies to actively contribute to community development by motivating them to adopt sustainable business practices that benefit all segments of society and ultimately contribute to the nation's prosperity.

"Today, the success of companies is no longer solely defined by profitability; it now extends to their role in advancing social growth and development through their commitment to social responsibility. Qatar has established a developmental strategy as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at managing the environment in a way that ensures harmony and alignment between the goals of economic and social development and environmental protection.

Achieving these objectives requires the business community's commitment to standards that ensure their operations and performance are aligned with this vision."

Yousef Mahmoud al-Neama, chief business officer of QNB Group, stated: "As the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, QNB Group remains steadfast in supporting the nation’s sustainability efforts by sponsoring key events and initiatives both in Qatar and beyond. Through this commitment, we strive to build a brighter future, leave a lasting legacy of sustainable development in the local communities where we operate, and ensure that corporate social responsibility practices are at the core of our strategic framework.”

This was followed by the recognition of the CSR Person of the Year in Qatar, as the judging committee at QU named HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB), for the honour, in appreciation of his outstanding efforts and distinguished contributions to the field. HE AlKhater, accompanied by Dr al-Ansari, presented the honorary shield.

The Conference and Exhibition will see a wide participation of governmental and semi-governmental agencies and private sector companies that come together to highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility for the future of society and business alike.

The conference features a series of interventions, panel discussions, and workshops featuring more than 75 speakers across 16 panel discussions, 14 presentations, and four workshops.

Commenting on the conference agenda, Prof Rana Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, said this year’s edition explores a range of key topics that play a vital role in advancing CSR practices by examining the strong links between digital innovation and sustainability.