Doha, Qatar 10 March 2014: The Social Development Center (SDC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, held a recent workshop for its staff members focusing on the organisation's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. The workshop reinforced SDC's mission to achieve a sustainable human development program to benefit the Qatari population and empower them to reach their maximum potential in terms of economic and social rights. By incorporating CSR initiatives into its work, SDC is hoping to be accredited with the SA 8,000 international standard.

SA 8,000 is an international accreditation standard that helps organisations develop socially acceptable practices, maintain and apply them at the workplace.

During the workshop, the overall importance of CSR was shared with SDC staff members and a brief overview was given on all its training and development programmes designed to provide the professional skills needed to catapult Qatar's youth to great achievements.

Mr Fahad Abdelkader Al Amri, Head of the Administration and Financial Department at SDC, commented on the event, saying: "The purpose of the workshop is to acquire an international accreditation in CSR, in line with international human rights standards and the local work laws, there to protect and empower individuals in accordance with CSR requirements. It also aims to help SDC develop the appropriate policies and procedures and maintain them in order to manage and control these matters, or influence them."

SA 8,000 was first introduced in 1989 by the Social Accountability International organisation (SAI), part of the Economic Priorities Council. It is recognised for its ability to calibrate the standards or organisations around the world, and their ability to function as an independent and more acceptable workplace.

Adopting the SA 8,000 ensures that a company takes into consideration the social effect of its operations as well as the personal circumstances of its employees, partners and suppliers.

SDC holds a number of initiatives designed to serve the Qatari community; in addition to raising awareness of its development programmes and charity initiatives. SDC has also conducted an in-depth study on the effect of a company's CSR on Qatarisation.

About SDC:
The Social Development Center (SDC) was established in 1996, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

A non-profit, social and development organization, the center is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development. On an international level, SDC holds membership in the Arab NGO Network, World Family Organization, and the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

For further information on SDC, please contact:
Mayan Fawaz
Associate Director
t: +974 44173108 - 44173105
f: +974 44311615
m: +974 66960327
e: mayan@forbes-associates.com
www.forbes-associates.com

© Press Release 2014