Kuwait CSR conference underway

KUWAIT: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a strategic choice that successful companies invest to maximize profits, a senior Ministry of Commerce and Industry official told a major CSR event yesterday. Undersecretary Khalid Al-Fadhel made the statement to the opening of the 3rd Kuwait CSR Conference and Exhibition on behalf of Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs AlRoudhan.

The ministry encourages companies that adopt active CSR programs that leave such obvious and sustainable effect on the society, he noted. The Kuwaiti firms with international brands have played a significant role to offer humanitarian services to the society, which brought them fame and good reputation, the minister said.

Yet, he referred to a host of businesses that need to “promote their perception of the CSR,” he stressed. The business sector needs to assume its responsibilities toward the society, broadening its role from mainly making profits to serving all the social classes, he said.

Meanwhile, head of the organizer committee Jamal Omran said the conference is held for the third year in a row for disseminating CSR culture and exchanging expertise among the public and the private sectors and the government. It also explains the criteria of applying CSR and seeks to enhance communication between the civil society and the social and philanthropic sector as well, Omran added.

The event serves as a platform for local and international CSR professionals to discuss how organizations use CSR to integrate economic, environmental and social objectives with their operations and growth.

Expert and speakers provide an in-depth analysis of contemporary CSR issues, trends, challenges, standards and strategies. It also offers the most current developments and best practices in CSR and sustainability, with practical tools, resources, and examples that companies can utilize to transform their own organizations. A specialized exhibition is held as part of the two-day event for the institutions interested in CSR values and importance for achieving sustainable development. —KUNA