QNB emphasizes its commitment to supporting the community

The Conference discussed ideas and strategies that will develop and promote this sector which is vital to the State of Qatar and the region.

Mr. Mohamed Ali Al-Khulaifi, Executive General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, QNB, was a speaker at one of the conference sessions. During his presentation, which covered QNB's CSR activities and experience, he thanked the organizers of the conference for this initiative which reveals the commitment of Qatari organizations to society. He said QNB's view of Corporate Social Responsibility is based on the Bank's belief that we are elements of the society in which we work.

Mr. Al Khulaifi said that several years back, the Bank established a CSR Executive Committee as an extension of the Board of Directors to consider and support projects and social activities in the country. The ultimate objective is to foster relationships which enhance community spirit in a responsible and thoughtful manner, and contribute to the development of the nation and its communities for the benefit of future generations.

QNB's vision of Corporate Social Responsibility draws inspiration from the State of Qatar's Vision for the year 2030. This includes the development of human resources and community development in parallel to economic development and conservation of the environment. QNB practices these fundamental ideals in the communities it operates in.

QNB partners with many organizations to support initiatives that contribute to the betterment of society. These are projects that aim to nurture societal and cultural values for the benefit of future generations through active participation in these communities. Mr. Al Khulaifi said QNB's concept of leadership extends beyond the field of financial services.

He said, "Service of society is an area in which we are always striving to add value - in terms of events that touch the lives of members of our community; and in terms of educational, cultural, environmental, health, sports and economic development."

QNB's role in community service cannot be substantiated without key partners who enable the Bank to add value to its CSR activities. Working in parallel with the Social Development Center (SDC), QNB is able to support social services that will build a strong and supportive community, reinforce the role of family in society, and raise the standard of living among families in need through the provision of employment opportunities, job training and appropriate support mechanisms, as well as preserving our national heritage.

The projects in which QNB partners with the SDC include the QNB Volunteer Award, which was initiated by the SDC to reward community volunteers for their positive contributions to the community.

In addition, the Bank collaborates with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and a number of affiliated institutions, as well as Qatar University to encourage students to complete their higher education by providing them support to overcome personal challenges and realize their potential.

He added that QNB is proud to support efforts by the Friends of the Environment Center to promote sustainable development, which is an important aspect of Qatari society. In support of the protection of and respect for Qatar's natural wealth, the Center engages in a range of programs and activities to increase awareness of environmental best-practices and the need to preserve the natural habitats of Qatar's indigenous flora and fauna.

In addition, remaining a staunch sponsor of traditional sports, the Bank extends its support to leading sporting events that place Qatar in the global spotlight. The greatest example of this is the Bank's sponsorship of the 15th Asian Games - Doha 2006. This was the first large-scale sports sponsorship of its kind in the country and QNB was the first institution in Qatar to engage in such an initiative.