The 3rd Conference, supported by official telecom partner du discusses corporate social responsibility as part of the Arab Giving Forum
Dubai, UAE, 9 May 2010: Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Abu Dhabi CSR Conference 2010 welcomed a number of industry key players for its third annual event. The conference, which is organised by Zayed Giving Initiative, and supported by du as the Official Telecom Partner, aims to make the civil society, governmental bodies and the private sector aware of the strategic advantages CSR has to offer.
The conference came under the wise direction of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to promote social cohesion and translate the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for sustainable social development in the healthcare, environment ,education, culture and volunteering sectors, and ensuring the role of CSR in driving economic development and leveraging the quality of services for locals. The conference discussed the importance of social responsibility in terms of the growth and success of companies and adding value for stakeholders, customers and employees.
The Abu Dhabi CSR Conference, is taking place as part of the Arab Giving Forum from 9 to 12 May 2010 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. The event outlines
specifically how CSR can be used as a tool to improve organisations, employees and shareholder prospects, as well as the world outside.
"Managing CSR issues is one of the principal challenges for contemporary business, and it will significantly influence a company's capacity to create value for shareholders and society. We are very encouraged by our participation at the Abu Dhabi CSR Conference and meet business leaders from the region," commented Dr. Adel Abdullah Al Shamry, Chairman, Zayed Giving Initiative.
"By partnering with du, one of the UAE's most successful home-grown organisations - and a company that is always keen to contribute to the community - we have been able to maximise the benefits of this valuable regional event," he added.
On this occasion, du CEO Osman Sultan made a keynote address during the event. Since its inception, du has placed a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship by establishing a clear strategy and outlining a detailed programme with the aim of contributing to the enrichment of the UAE society, while celebrating its heritage and diversity.
"du is committed to supporting the local community in which it operates, and therefore it is with great pleasure that we are participating in this year's Abu Dhabi CSR Conference. This event provides a great opportunity to promote CSR-related activities in the UAE, and to emphasise the importance of supporting and nurturing our local culture and society," commented Hala Badri, EVP, Brand and Communications, du.
The event discusses important elements of CSR, including business conduct, employee relationship, occupational health and safety, monitoring systems and community involvement. By joining the conference, organisations can learn how to integrate CSR into their business strategy - instead of performing occasional
activities - as well as finding out strategies and solutions for an effective CSR implementation. Attendees can also benefit from the opportunity to network with key representatives from the four main social sectors; private, public, civil society and mass media, and meet with top international experts from leading organisations in CSR.
The conferences, which are being delivered by a selection of experts from the CSR and social sectors, include 'The Governance Dimension: How companies and governments can promote better CSR management', 'The Business Case: What would you lose if you did not invest in CSR', 'The Financial Sector as a Driver of CSR: Challenges Ahead', 'Responsible Entrepreneurship', 'Business and Sustainable Development: Building Partnerships', and 'Media Influence on CSR'.
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About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers.
Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit, more time and now 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.
For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.
du products and services for consumers and business are available through du's retail network, currently numbering 33 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.
du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.
Awards to date
• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK's EuroWeek
• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008
• du declared 'Best Brand' at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success
• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007
• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007
• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007
For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager, Channels Communications
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae
Mayssam Hamadeh
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 3676 324
Mobile: +971 55 495 6484
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: mayssam.hamadeh@dubai.mslpr.com
© Press Release 2010
