Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) have launched the ESG (environmental, social and governance) guidance manual for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping them enhance their sustainability performance and navigate evolving global regulatory requirements.

Jointly developed by QDB and Gord, the ESG guidance manual offers a practical and scalable roadmap tailored to help SMEs embed ESG principles into their core business operations.

The manual was launched during an event “ESG for Qatar’s Business Leaders”, which convened senior executives, sustainability experts, and policymakers to explore the strategic importance of ESG integration and to unveil QDB’s newly developed manual.

Drawing on Gord’s technical expertise and leadership in sustainability, the manual serves as both a strategic enabler and a compliance toolkit, equipping businesses to transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy.

“At QDB, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognising its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today’s interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional — they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities," said Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, executive director of SME Development at QDB.

Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of Gord, said the ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar’s proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape.

"This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives,” he added.

Following the official launch, the event featured a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments.