CSR Oman 2015, a summit that brings together the Omani business community to debate and discuss the changing role of CSR, kicked off today, highlighting the need for greater cooperation and sustainability in Oman. The Grand Hyatt Muscat welcomed a massive crowd to the first day of the event which was opened with a keynote address by H.E. Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
H.E. Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi said in his opening address, “This Summit, which has gathered some of the largest companies in Oman, elite specialists, and people interested in CSR, embodies the growing importance to serve and develop Omani society. With the social role of private sector companies and establishments growing, so too is the significance of the developmental, social and effective programs they have introduced.”
He added: “Today, we aim to work towards building a culture of social responsibility in the private sector in light of the growing developmental role it is playing in Oman. This summit will serve as a platform for non-governmental organizations and leading national companies to meet and discuss the means of promoting the concepts of CSR, its importance and different dimension, as well as share best practices.”
After the keynote address, opening panel discussions focused on using sustainability to reduce unemployment, youth empowerment and socio-economic development. Led by Amor AlMatani Deputy CEO at Oman LNG, Shaima Al Lawati Founding Partner of Sustainable Square Oman, and Alireza Sarabcht General Business Manager of Nestle, the keynote panel successfully defined Oman’s CSR and sustainability, ways to promote strategic CSR within communities to ensure maximum engagement, and identified key areas in need of social and economic growth. The second session focused on how CSR is more than just corporate philanthropy understanding and the role of sustainable CSR in the current Omani market climate. Other sessions and case studies were also featured on the first day of the conference, highlighting best practices, government collaboration, and the need to empower Oman’s future generations through CSR.
“There’s definitely been a change in CSR in Oman lately with a definite shift from the usual sponsorship of one-off events. We can see an increase in the duration of community programs and there’s more emphasis on training. Also, there’s a greater variety of CSR-funded programs with a particular increase in recent years of SME initiatives. It’s great to see that there’s been an expansion in the number of companies that are establishing specific CSR priorities and strategies and implementing them accordingly,” said Sarah Jackson, AMIDEAST Country Director.
She continued, “AMIDEAST has implemented CSR-funded programs in Oman since opening its doors in 2008 and we have seen the tremendous impact that such funds can have in making training programs available for Omani youth, expanding their opportunities as a result. My colleagues and I are eager to share our experiences with other stakeholders to contribute to discussions about best practices and lessons learned. We are hopeful that the Summit will generate expanded awareness of the power of CSR and the many ways it can support Oman’s economic development.”
Other experts and prominent professionals who participated include H.E. Barbara Joziasse, Ambassador, Kingdom of Netherlands in Oman, Amor AlMatani, Deputy CEO, Oman LNG; Ammar Shams, Regional Head for Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank; Raphael V. Parambi, Chief Executive Officer, SME Development Fund; Fahad Al Adi, Executive Manager, Jusoor Foundation; Sherry Colbourne, Managing Partner, Startup Oman; and Alireza Sarabchi, General Business Manager, Nestlé.
For the second day of the event, the conference will focus on CSR and education, youth development, and corporate volunteerism. The expert line-up for day two will include: Dr. Munther Al Busaidi, Assistant Dean for Training & Community Service, College of Economics & Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University; Dr. Stephen Hill, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Sohar University, and Ghada Al Yousef, Executive Manager Group Communication & Sustainability at Electricity Holding Company.