Twenty-two per cent of Middle East companies said they focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, followed by 17 per cent on general management, a recent survey said.

The survey was conducted across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Jordan and Qatar.

“The UAE utilises massive levels of water and energy in huge projects,” said Alan Knight, founder of Single Planet Living, independent advisor to Virgin Group and speaker at an upcoming CSR summit in Dubai.

The seventh CSR Summit will be held from May 30 to June 3 at Hotel Shangri-La.

“The need of the hour is ultra green solutions like solar energy plants and options in bio-fuel. The region needs to work with nature and utilize more natural resources like water, land and sunlight,” Knight continued.

Key discussions points at the summit are set to include CSR opportunities in recessionary times, CSR as a risk management tool and dealing with CSR controversies.

CSR initiatives have moved beyond purely social causes to support the environment and environmental sustainability, a statement said.

Corporations are now seeking a more holistic approach to show social responsibility within the framework of their current and future business operations.

“Good CSR should not be seen as a burden but a benefit to both businesses and the community. The key is to view it as an investment, rather than an expense,” said Bansri Shah, director, CSR Summit.

The seventh CSR Summit is being organised by the Institute of International Research (IIR), a leading international provider of specialist information and services. – TradeArabia News Service