The Center for Responsible Business (CRB) at Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is gearing up to host its first significant business networking event of the year in partnership with the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI). The event aims to underline the importance of sustainability reporting as a valuable tool to enhance business performance.
The day long networking event, due to take place at Dubai Chamber on January 30, is sponsored by three major establishments, Aramex, Nakheel and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. Delegates of the event can expect to obtain practical guidance on how to incorporate CSR reporting within their organizations, to hear from experts the business case of CSR reporting and to learn from the experiences of those active in this field in the local market.
A number of Dubai Chamber's members, as well as others engaged in the local and regional CSR community: NGOs, public agencies, auditors, investors, and communication, risk and HR professionals will be attending the event.
The first session of the day will focus on CSR reporting and trends. Speakers from Dubai Chamber's Center for Responsible Business will present the business case for sustainability reporting and the inherent value this process can create for an organization through improved stakeholder engagement and positive image creation.
Following on from this both Aramex, and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi will present on the challenges and opportunities of CSR reporting in the region, sharing with the audience the experiences they have obtained in this area. To complement these presentations delegates will also hear from Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), on other local examples of good practice in this area.
The third session will be addressed by Ralph Thurm, Associate Director Business Engagement & Development, GRI. Mr. Thurm will provide background detail on the Global Reporting Initiative, its objectives and how the GRI G3 guidelines can be used to help guide companies through the sustainability reporting process. During his session, Mr. Thurm will also share with the audience some international best practice examples of CSR reporting.
Towards the end of the day, the audience will be split into several break-out groups where they will undertake a CSR reporting exercise. This exercise, facilitated by a CSR professional, will provide delegates with hands on guidance to help them approach the CSR reporting process.
The last session of the day will feature a panel discussion focusing on the reporting trends in the UAE and identification of existing barriers and opportunities in CSR reporting.
HE Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, Vice Treasurer and Board Member of Dubai Chamber, stressed the importance of the event as one of the many services that Dubai Chamber is providing to its members and stakeholders. He said "This event reflects Dubai Chamber's role in underlining the significance of CSR reporting as we invite major economic entities in Dubai to share their best practices on CSR reporting in order to encourage other companies to take up the initiative."
Aramex, the first Arab based organization to launch a sustainability report in line with the GRI reporting guidelines, is a strong advocate of CSR. As a company, it recognizes the importance of institutionalizing a strategic approach to its responsibility towards society in line with its success and growth. Aramex has adopted corporate sustainability reporting as a way of communicating its initiatives and performance in the area of CSR with its stakeholders.
Commenting on the sponsorship of this event, Belinda Al Baluchi, CSR Officer at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, said "The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)'s vision is to be 'the number one Arab bank' and in line with our aspirations to be a leader of corporate social responsibility, we have chosen to support this event. NBAD believes this seminar will help bring GCC companies together to examine key drivers, issues and challenges related to CSR reporting in the UAE and the region. As a company, we support this opportunity for dialogue, which we believe will lead to the development of relevant regional indicators, and ultimately encourage other companies to begin CSR and sustainability reporting."
"NBAD recognizes that through the year on year development of a formalized CSR report, NBAD will achieve enhanced reputation and performance. Following the publication of our first NBAD CSR Report in 2006, it is our hope to work towards implementing Global reporting initiatives framework for the 2008 report."
The networking event aims to raise awareness of sustainability reporting as an internal management tool that assists organizations in enhancing their overall performance. The event will encourage participants to build the business case for CSR reporting, and enable them to develop a better understanding of the practical implication of this process.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2008
