Majra Reviews Strategies To Elevate Private Sector's Social Development Role In UAE

The National CSR Fund – Majra recently held its fourth Board of Trustees meeting for the 2024-2026 term. The session, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board, focused on evaluating progress and reviewing strategic plans to advance corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable impact in the UAE.

The meeting reviewed Majra’s financial reports and the "Impact Index" to evaluate performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) domains. Over 80 sustainability-focused companies were honoured with the "Impact Seal."

Al Marri highlighted the UAE's progress in enhancing corporate social responsibility, noting the Fund’s role in aligning private sector strategies with national priorities and sustainable development goals.

Attendees included Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, and Abdullah Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board.

Other notable participants were Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth; Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Acting Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development; Dr. Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority; Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; and Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

The Board outlined a forward-looking vision, emphasising the Fund’s role in mobilising private sector contributions to national development projects. They stressed the need for increased awareness of corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

The meeting also saw Abdulaziz Khalid Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation; Salama Al Amaimi, Director-General of the Family Care Authority; Mariam Al Qassab, Director of the Office of the Chairman at Sharjah Book Authority; community entrepreneur Bodour Al Raqbani; and Sarah Shaw, Director of the National CSR Fund – Majra.

Sarah Shaw remarked, "This meeting marks a key milestone for Majra, providing a platform to discuss future strategies and build on achievements in boosting private sector contributions to social development and sustainability. We aim to develop new mechanisms that inspire businesses to make a lasting impact."

Encouraging Sustainable Practices

The Board encouraged companies to adhere to mandatory disclosure plans on sustainability and ESG practices. They discussed new strategies for social responsibility issues and sustainable practices in the UAE.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continued public-private sector collaboration to achieve Majra Fund’s vision of advancing sustainable development in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM