Past, current and potential applicants of the Arabia CSR Awards attended the Awards Clinic, a workshop organised by the Arabia CSR Network on April 9th at the Grand Millennium Hotel. The Clinic is a half day workshop designed to support the applicants and provide adequate knowledge, information and insights about the awards application criteria, methodology and requirements. It is aimed at enhancing the applicants’ understanding about how best to submit a high quality application.
“The essence of the Arabia CSR Awards is not only about winning but about taking a closer look at your organisation’s sustainability performance and continuously improving your CSR practices. It is crucial to provide genuine, balanced responses and I promise that you will emerge from this exhaustive process more enlightened and motivated than ever,’’ stated Mrs. Habiba AlMarashi, President and CEO of the Arabia CSR Network. ’’ The Awards is a dynamic, one that adapts to the changing context and the demands and expectations of its stakeholders. It has evolved continuously over the years. The number of categories has increased, the application has undergone various dissections, modifications and improvements, more languages have been introduced. This year for example we have modified the application forms to reference the current trends and have a new category which is the Healthcare category. The Awards boasts the most rigorous and comprehensive application criteria which integrates the inherent principles and frameworks of the Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and EFQM Excellence Model. Organisations must invest their time and effort in filling the application adhering to the required standards whilst simultaneously capturing the essence of their sustainability achievements, this is not an easy task.’’ added Mrs. Al Mara’shi.
Over 40 participating entities from private and public organisations and multiple sectors attended the Awards Clinic, another testament that the Awards is a journey that adds value to any type of organisation regardless of its nature. With introduction of new sector specific category, the healthcare category, and the various modifications that has resulted in a specialised unique application form for every category, the 11th cycle promises an enriching participants’ journey. Advancement in the 11th cycle is the full automation of the process with a full-fledged dedicated online platform.
One of the outcomes of the Clinic was the launch of the Best Practices Publication 2017, a rich compilation of cases of recognisable best practices and leadership in CSR and corporate sustainability. The cases aim to portray the culture and practices that distinguish responsible businesses across the Arab Region and serve as a benchmarking resource to business and non-business readers alike to gain in-depth information and insights on the subject matter.
The sponsors and supporters of the Arabia CSR Awards include: UN Environment Programme(Strategic Supporter) Gulf Petrochemical Industries company (Gold Awards Sponsors),Emirates Environmental Group (Environmental Partner), Wasm CSR( country partner in KSA) , Newtonology (country partner in Kuwait), Destination Sustainability (country partner Oman) , Al Hussein Society Jordan Center For Training & Inclusion
Country Partner in Jordan, NexNet Solutions (Technology Sponsor) and Cyber Gear (Online Media Partner). Sponsorship for the prestigious Arabia CSR Forum and Awards is open with an improved, wider array of benefits and sponsorship categories that offer association with the Arab World’s most credible CSR and Sustainability platform. Please contact the Arabia CSR Network for further details and the chance to become a part of the Arab Sustainability Journey.
About Arabia CSR Network:
The Arabia CSR Network is a professional multi stakeholder organisation established in the UAE in 2004. It is devoted to advancing the principles and practices of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Arab region. It facilitates networking, learning and sharing experiences and knowledge in matters of CSR. The Arabia CSR Network was the first GRI certified training partner for the Arabic speaking Middle East countries. The Arabia CSR Network promotes, encourages and recognises responsible business practices through a bunch of services and offerings, including training, research and best practice, advisory services, third party , a Pan-Arab acclaimed award, forum initiative and a partnership alliance known as Sharaka.