Doha: Participants in the fourth edition of the Private Sector Social Responsibility and Its Role in Sustainable Development Conference, which commenced today, underscored the importance of good governance in ensuring the sustainability of family-owned businesses.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference was attended by HE Minister of State, Chairman of Qatar National Library and International Ambassador for Social Responsibility Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari; HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani; HE Advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Dr. Abdullah Al Maatouq; as well as a distinguished gathering of officials, experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations.
The two-day conference is hosted by the Qatar Chamber in collaboration with the Union of Arab Chambers, the League of Arab States, the Regional Network Consultancy, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari emphasized that integrating sustainability and social responsibility into Arab family businesses is essential for achieving comprehensive social development and building more cohesive and sustainable economies. He commended the Qatar Chamber's strategic role in stimulating the national economy and driving growth in Qatar by linking business sectors and promoting the Qatari private sector's presence on the international stage. Dr. Kawari noted that social responsibility has evolved from seasonal initiatives into a core component of corporate governance, stressing that the long-term sustainability of family businesses relies on sound governance, transparency, alignment with sustainable development goals, investment in human capital, and support for innovation.
HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani affirmed that private sector social responsibility has become a strategic pillar of good governance, enhancing competitiveness and building trust with society. He stressed the pivotal role of the private sector as a key partner in achieving sustainable development. Sheikh Khalifa also highlighted the theme of this year's conference, 'Mechanisms for Integrating Sustainability and Social Responsibility Principles in Arab Family Businesses,' which underscores the pivotal role of family businesses in Arab economies and their vital contribution to achieving a balance between economic growth, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
HE Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Development and Social Policies Department at the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, Tarek El Nabulsi, expressed on behalf of the League of Arab States his appreciation to Qatar Chamber for this initiative. He emphasized the vital role of the private sector in adopting social responsibility as a key partner in the development process and supported the conference's recommendations to be submitted to the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs.
Meanwhile, HE Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers Dr. Khaled Hanafy thanked Qatar Chamber for hosting the conference, noting its commitment to social responsibility through initiatives supporting this vital area. He pointed out that family businesses constitute a large proportion of the private sector, representing nearly 75% of the Arab economy.
Head of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain at UNIDO, Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Hussein, stated that family businesses are a key pillar in the economies of Arab countries, providing job opportunities and contributing to GDP growth. Chairman of the Regional Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Prof. Yousef Abdul Ghaffar added that the Arab private sector, particularly family businesses, supports Arab economies, enhances social stability, and achieves sustainable development. Integrating sustainability and social responsibility into family businesses is an economic, developmental, and ethical necessity for ensuring continuity and enhancing competitiveness.
The conference's first day featured three panel discussions, including one titled "Governance of Social Responsibility in Arab Family Businesses," featuring a distinguished group of speakers and experts. The panel included HE Vice-Chairman of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration and International Ambassador for Social Responsibility Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani, among others. During the session, Sheikh Dr. Thani presented a working paper on transparency, disclosure, and trust-building in family businesses in the GCC countries, emphasizing their pivotal role in economic and social development. He stressed that transparency, disclosure, and trust-building form an integrated framework for sustainability, helping family businesses address challenges and achieve sustainable growth.