Dubai Centre for Corporate Values forms CSR committee

The committee consists of members from private, public and non-profit organisations. It will discuss CSR-related issues from local perspectives.

DCCV holds a bi-monthly committee meeting in a workshop format to discuss economic, social, and environment issues such as Emiratisation, equal opportunities, socio-economic cohesion etc.

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director of DCCV and head of the CSR Committee, said: "The CSR Committee will assist DCCV's vision of spreading local CSR in the country by its contribution to the DCCV CSR model that is under development"

In its first discussion, the committee discussed the challenges and opportunities of the various Emiratisation programs and the ability of the education system to help companies as well as young graduates to make the programs successful. Points discussed included challenges faced by UAE Nationals in the private sector, the sentiments of expatriate employees in regards to Emiratisation and means to create more awareness and education about the merits of Emiratisation within the UAE.

The committee members come from various reputable organizations such as Jumeirah Group, Emirates Environmental Group Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), Dubai Ethics Resource Centre (DERC)', Reputation Inc, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Knowledge and Human Development Authority, International Business Leaders Forum, TECOM Investments Hawakama, Workplace Internal Regulatory Establishment(WIRE), Higher Colleges of Technology, International Energy Group, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Karim Al Falasi, Emiratisation Manager at Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. said:

"The CSR Committee is an excellent platform for ideas to be shared and implemented in different ways within different organisations. It is an eye opener for what is happening in a variety of sectors."

Says Malcolm Walker, Senior Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank at DIFC: "Standard Chartered is committed to making a positive contribution to the societies in which we live and work. We are, therefore, delighted to be represented on this committee and share with the participants and wider community our experience from operating in 57 markets globally. In the context of Emiratisation we are fully committed to Dubai's social agenda and are working closely with the DIFC and other bodies to develop national talent."

The inaugural discussion concluded that a vital step towards Emiratisation include bridging the gap between the education gained during studies and that needed for application in the industry.

Recommendations discussed included senior management involvement in Emiratisation, more awareness programs aimed both at the general public and at companies and businesses and the provision of sponsorships and scholarships to deserving UAE National students to bring their job skills up to par with industry standards.

It was also concluded that regular HR forums focusing on the merits of Emiratisation and related success stories could help further the cause.