As a result of the dedication in raising awareness on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across Lebanon and promoting responsible business over the last 4 years, Mr. Khaled Kassar, Founder & CEO of CSR LEBANON, has been officially appointed by the UN Global Compact (UNGC) as the focal point-of-contact in Lebanon to launch the Global Compact Local Network in Lebanon by 2014.

‘Care By Air’, an innovative and a very unique Corporate Social Responsibility platform in the region, seeks to unite the UAE’s aviation sector to pool its resources and become truly responsive to help those in most need. Aimed at championing a system hailed from the UAE, founding President and CEO FathiHilalBuhazza shares with Responsible Business how the newly-established not-for profit organization maximizes efficiency to save millions of d...

Successful businesses have recognized that risks posed by their supply chains can be best managed through value creation from subsidiaries to suppliers. This entails an advanced commitment to responsible business practices that allow to better deal with the growing inherent social, environmental, and governance impacts generated by their operations, but also to benefit from the many rewards supply chain sustainability can deliver.

While investigating the CSR standing of companies in the Middle East region, Responsible Business noticed an exemplary performance by a leading bank in the United Arab Emirates. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) showed a remarkable track record with a commitment to social programs spanning over 40 years. Responsible Business inquired further to learn more about who they are and what they do.

H.E. General Michel Suleiman, President of Lebanon, made a strong call to scale up sustainability efforts in companies and management education institutions in the country and throughout the Middle East. His remarks were presented at the 2nd PRME MENA Regional Forum.

In the previous issue of Responsible Business, we elaborated on the topic of stakeholders and stakeholder management. We highlighted the significance of stakeholder engagement when establishing responsible and sustainable relationships internally and externally. In the third part of this series, we focus on the workplace area of Corporate Social Responsibility, and more specifically on the Human Resources function which is crucial to fostering a ...

Trust is a tricky subject in all relationships - whether in friendships between individuals or collaboration among corporations and sectors. Trust takes time and effort to build, and very little to destroy. When non-governmental organizations and the private sector work together, accountability and transparency are vital to their mutual trust. NGOs need to know what corporations are capable of giving them, while businesses must trust NGOs to do...

Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) understood in Lebanon? Is it possible to identify a Lebanese institution or corporation which has fully adopted and integrated CSR from the employee level to the supply chain? Were changes applied in the workplace, environment, community, and the marketplace which make the four areas of CSR? If so, was it part of a long-term comprehensive strategy? Were efforts to promote CSR occasional and restricted to i...

Environmental sustainability has formed the core of a new public discourse, putting pressure on corporations to perform environmentally and respond to claims that they are actively contributing to climate change. As a result, numerous companies now take an active role in environmental engagement. Increasingly, a firm’s commitment to the natural environment is becoming part of a corporations existence and is notably taking a prominent role i...

Visionary leadership can inspire and empower employees and help move your company in the direction you wish to take it. It can restore confidence in the midst of economic turmoil. It can ignite the creativity and dedication of your employees to commit to your company’s principles and goals. Leadership can extend beyond CEO charisma to move towards a leadership style that is committed to words they preach.