Muscat: The seventh edition of the International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officially commenced today in Dhofar Governorate, under the theme 'Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab States: Towards Institutionalizing the Developmental Impact of Enterprises.' The conference was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
According to Oman News Agency, the conference is hosted at the Rotana Salalah Resort and spans two days, addressing a range of themes centered on the institutionalization and sustainability of CSR programmes, and the enhancement of their role in advancing developmental objectives. The agenda features an examination of contemporary practices and experiences in the fields of CSR, sustainability, governance, and social investment, alongside strategies for strengthening institutional CSR frameworks-transitioning these from isolated or seasonal initiatives into an integrated, sustainable system aligned with corporate strategies and developmental goals. This is expected to reinforce the private sector's contribution to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first topic, titled 'Towards Operational Pathways for the Institutionalization and Sustainability of CSR Programs,' included a series of working papers, such as a presentation entitled 'Global Contemporary Trends in CSR Regulation,' delivered by Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
A subsequent working paper was presented by Intisar Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Director General of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), wherein she elaborated on the Centre's role in monitoring and measuring progress towards the achievement of the SDGs across GCC member states.
Dr. Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission, presented a paper on 'Business and Human Rights: The Omani Experience through the Lens of Corporate Social Responsibility.' Meanwhile, Eng. Mahmoud Khalifa Al Saqri, Chief Executive Officer of Ishraqa Foundation for Community Development, delivered a paper titled 'The Ishraqa Initiative in Social Investment.' Additionally, Counselor Obaidli Al Obaidli presented a working paper entitled 'Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Social Responsibility in Arab Micro-Enterprises.'
The second theme, 'Tools for Institutionalizing Community Priorities and Governance in Alignment with National Objectives,' addressed topics pertaining to legislative frameworks and governance mechanisms in the domain of corporate social responsibility, including an examination of the necessity for mandatory CSR legislation in Arab states.
Organizing this conference forms part of broader efforts to realize the strategic targets of Oman Vision 2040, particularly with regard to strengthening public-private partnerships and entrenching the principles of sustainability and governance. The event further serves as a platform for the exchange of expertise and the dissemination of contemporary practices and experiences across the CSR and sustainability landscape.
The conference proceedings will continue tomorrow, Thursday, with a training workshop entitled 'Certified Auditor according to the International Standard for Social Responsibility (ISO 26000),' to be facilitated by Dr. Ali Al Ibrahim, Vice President of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.
