Opening Ceremony - Main Conference Area
- 08:00 am - 09:00 am
Registration & Networking
- 09:00 am - 09:05 am
Mc Opening Remarks
- 09:05 am - 09:10 am
Welcome Note
- 09:10 am - 09:15 am
Keynote Address
Mohammed Abdulrazaq Al-Siddiqi, Financial & Administrative Affairs Director, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- 09:15 am - 09:20 am
Keynote Address
Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar
- 09:20 am - 09:25 am
Keynote Address
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer, QNB
- 09:25 am - 09:45 am
Awarding CSR Person of the Year
- 09:45 am - 10:15 am
VIP Exhibition Tour
Integrating of Circular Principles into Business Operations
- 10:15 am - 10:20 am
Partnerships to accelerate progress towards the implementation of SDGs
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO
Max Tunon, Head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Qatar
- 10:20 am - 10:25 am
Keynote Guest Speaker: Accelerating Progress on the 2030 Agenda: The Role of the Private Sector
Anita Lebiar, Regional Head Middle East, East Europe & Central Asia, United Nations Global Compact
- 10:25 am - 10:30 am
Keynote Guest Speaker
Julien Pellaux, Director for Partnerships, UNESCO
- 10:30 am - 10:45 am
Fostering Social Change: Mubadara's Leadership in Qatar's CSR Landscape
- 10:45 am - 11:00 am
Ooredoo Supports Social Investment, Affordable Education in CSR Initiative
Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Director Public Relations, CSR, and Sponsorship, Ooredoo Qatar
- 11:00 am - 11:15 am
Empowering Our Community, Is the Heart of Everything We Do
Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, Chief Executive Officer, Aamal Company
- 11:15 am - 11:30 am
The Future of CSR in a Circular Econ om y
- 11:30 am - 11:45 am
Linking CSR to Sustainability Performance: A Multi-case Study Approach in Qatari Companies
Dr. Abdullah Al-Swidi, As. Professor of Management, College of Business and Economics, Qatar University
- 11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Coffee & Prayer Break
- 12:15 pm - 13:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO, GBSN & Victoria Forum
Pathways to Sustainability: Business Schools and Stakeholders Joining Forces
- Collaboratively integrate sustainability principles
- Forge industry alliances for impactful projects
- Engage diverse stakeholders in decision-making for aligned sustainability goals
Moderator
- Prof. Rana Sobh, Dean of College of Business & Economics, Qatar University
Panelists
- Prof. Dan LeClair, Chief Executive Officer, Global Business School Network (GBSN)
- Dr. Anita Bhappu, Dean & Professor, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
- Casper N. Edmonds, Head of Unit, Extractives, Energy & Manufacturing, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder & CEO, Snoonu
- 13:00 pm - 14:30 pm
Lunch Break
- 14:30 pm - 16:00 pm
The Circular Economy: The Potential for Sustainable Enterprises and Decent Jobs
Facilitated by ILO, the Ministry of Labour and Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics
Session 1: The potential and pitfalls of the circular economy
- What is the circular economy and why do we need it?
- Government policies – what works and what does not?
- Where to start – which sectors have the most potential to become circular?
- How to create more and better circular jobs?
Moderator:
- Casper N. Edmonds, Head of Unit, Extractives, Energy & Manufacturing, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Panelists:
- Ivonne Bojoh, Chief Executive Officer, Circular Economy Foundation
- Namita Datta, Head of Solutions for Youth Employment, Global Jobs Practice, World Bank Group (WBG)
- Kari Herlevi, Project Director, Global Collaboration, Sustainability Solutions, Finnish Government Think Tank SITRA
- H.E. Ferdinand Lahnstein, Ambassador, Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar
- Dr. Alex Amato, Chief Research and Policy Advisor, Earthna
- Dr. Logan Cochrane, College of Public Policy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- 16:00 pm
End of Summit Day 1
- 14:00 pm - 15:00 pm
Redefining Global Supply Chain Sustainability in a Changing and Complex World: A Dynamic Executive Education Workshop for Forward-Thinking Leaders
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with Victoria Forum
The introductory session offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience, challenging traditional business thinking. Participants will explore sustainability's role in global supply chains and its potential for long-term organizational success.
Dr. Adel Guitouni, Associate Professor, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
- 15:00 pm - 16:00 pm
Integration of Human Rights into the Accounting Courses
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with GBSN
The workshop seeks to merge accounting education with human rights principles. Participants will discuss methods to incorporate human rights concepts into accounting curricula, empowering future accountants to make socially responsible decisions.
- Prof. John Ferguson, Professor in Accounting, University of St Andrews (Scotland)
- Dr. Yingru Li, Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Finance, ASBS, University of Glasgow
Workshops Meeting Room 102 - Stream B Exclusive Session: by Invitation Only
- 10:30 am - 16:00 pm
Labour Issues in Responsible Supply Chain Management Session 1
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO
The workshop aims to develop a training package on Sustainable Supply Chain Management for MEBAS member universities. It focuses on SDG 8, emphasizing inclusive economic growth and decent work. Topics include global trade contexts, labor issues in supply chains, and best practices for competitiveness and optimization.
Emily Sims, Snr. Specialist & Manager ILO Helpdesk for Business, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- 16:00 pm
End of Workshops Day 1
Sustainable Futures: Navigating Compliance in the Circular Era - Main Conference Area
- 08:00 am - 09:00 am
Registration & Networking
- 09:00 am - 09:05 am
Mc Opening Remarks
- 09:05 am - 10:30 am
The Circular Economy: The Potential for Sustainable Enterprises and Decent Jobs
Facilitated by ILO, the Ministry of Labour and Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics
Session 2: The business case for circularity
- Going circular by 2025 – are the goals of leading brands achievable?
- Building a circular business – what can we learn from the founder?
- How can we accelerate investments into the circular economy?
- How do we create an enabling environment for sustainable and inclusive circular companies & supply chains?
Moderator:
- Casper N. Edmonds, Head of Unit, Extractives, Energy & Manufacturing, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Panelists:
- Dan Reid, Head of Secretariat, Circular Electronics Partnership, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
- Marta Vanie Uetela, Founder, BioMec
- Neelam Nelwani, Senior Manager, ESG Advisory, Deloitte UK
- Paolo Pernai, Sustainability Manager, ELDS Division, ABB (virtual)
- Dr. Ahmad Al-Khalifa, Associate Professor, Qatar University’s CBE
- Dr. Aymen Adam Mohib, Director of Strategy, Invest Qatar
- Dr. Dalal Assouli, College of Islamic Studies, HBKU
- Julia Batho, Deputy Chief Executive, Institute for Human Rights and Business
- Badra Alawa, Enterprise Development Specialist, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Morning Coffee Break
Innovative Solutions: Amplifying Social Impact in Sustainable Practices
- 11:00 am - 11:15 am
Al Abdulghani Motors Spreading Happiness through CCP
- 11:15 am - 11:30 am
Homegrown: Fueling the Future of Local Business
Asma Alsadi, Home Business Account Executive, Snoonu
- 11:30 am - 11:45 am
Fmm CSR Initiatives: Contributing to the Social Challenges Facing the Communities
Patrick Isac, Senior Human Resources Manager, Fmm
- 11:45 am - 12:00 pm
The Role of Baladi Express in Promoting Social Responsibility Experiences and Challenges
- 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
Redefining Success: Strategies for Environmental Excellence in Facility Management
- 12:15 pm - 13:00 pm
Coffee & Prayer Break
- 13:00 pm - 13:15 pm
Overview of Qatar Foundation & Pre-University Education Special Schools & Special Educational Needs Services
Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Special Schools and SEN Services, Qatar Foundation
- 13:15 pm - 13:30 pm
Becoming an Emergency Relief Responder
Dimitra Theodoropulus, Director Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, talabat
- 13:30 pm - 13:45 pm
Sanea: Enabling the Next Generation of Innovators
Eng. Nayef Al Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Ibtechar
- 13:45 pm - 14:00 pm
Empowering Communities: Qatar Cancer Society’s Role in CSR and Social Awareness
Dr. Muhanned Hararah, Director of Programs, Qatar Cancer Society
- 14:00 pm - 14:15 pm
Crafting Responsible Mindset: Towards Sustainable Design and Manufacturing
Anastasia Volokhova, Brand Strategy Manager, Gulfcrafts
- 14:15 pm - 14:30 pm
Leveraging strategic digital services for CSR initiatives
Charles Vincent, Managing Partner, A101
- 14:30 pm - 15:30 pm
Lunch Break
- 15:30 pm - 16:30 pm
Finance for Impact: Integrating Sustainability into Core Finance Courses
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with Victoria Forum
This workshop focuses on the imperative integration of sustainability principles within traditional finance education. It delves into strategies for embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into core finance curricula. Participants will explore innovative teaching methods and case studies, equipping educators to empower future finance professionals to navigate the intersection of finance & sustainability with expertise & responsibility.
Dr. Basma Majerbi, Associate Professor of Finance, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
- 16:30 pm
End of Summit Day 2
- 13:30 pm - 15:30 pm
The Changing Landscape of Labour Rights and Responsibilities in Business: Implications for Business Schools in the Middle East
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO & GBSN
Moderators:
- Prof. Dan LeClair, Chief Executive Officer, Global Business School Network (GBSN)
- Alix Nasri, Technical Specialist, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Panelists:
- Charles Autheman, Lecturer on Business and Human Rights, HEC Paris
- Maria Gallotti, Migration Policy Specialist, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Workshops Meeting Room 102 - Stream B Exclusive Session: by Invitation Only
- 10:30 am - 16:30 pm
Labour issues in Responsible Supply Chain Management Session 2
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO
The workshop aims to develop a training package on Sustainable Supply Chain Management for MEBAS member universities. It focuses on SDG 8, emphasizing inclusive economic growth and decent work. Topics include global trade contexts, labor issues in supply chains, and best practices for competitiveness and optimization.
Emily Sims, Snr. Specialist & Manager ILO Helpdesk for Business, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- 16:30 pm
End of Workshops Day 2
Recent International Developments in Responsible Business Conduct (RBC)
Are companies adequately prepared? Do they have access to the necessary skills within the local market?
Facilitated by the ILO, Ministry of Labour, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Qatar, the Institute for Human Rights and Business – Gulf Sustain Initiative and Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics
- 08:00 am - 09:00 am
Registration & Networking
- 09:00 am - 09:10 am
Introduction & Event overview
- Marie-José Tayah, Technical Specialist for Social Dialogue, International Labour Organization (ILO) - Qatar
- Tine Tytgat, Regional RBC Policy Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
- 09:10 am - 09:15 am
Keynote Address
Sheikha Najwa Al-Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, Ministry of Labour
- 09:15 am - 10:00 am
Panel Discussion: Enforcement Across Jurisdictions: Setting the Groundwork
- What is the timeline for companies to align their business practices with the new directives?
- What efforts are delegations undertaking in Qatar and the GCC to assist their companies in aligning their practices with these new directives?
- What specific support is required from the national ecosystem to effectively bring their efforts to fruition?
Moderator:
- Peter Rademaker, Deputy Regional Director & Decent Work Team Director, ILO in the Arab States
Panelists:
- H.E. Dr. Christian Tudor, European Union Resident Ambassador to Qatar
- H.E. Ferdinand Lahnstein, Ambassador, Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar
- H.E. Florence Tinguely Mattli, Ambassador, Switzerland to Qatar
- 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Panel Discussion: Emerging Practices for Building an RBC-Ready National Ecosystem
- How can academia better prepare future managers for RBC? Needed partnerships, research, curriculum adjustments, community engagement?
- How do Chambers & global business community boost RBC awareness & empower HR directors and CEOs?
- What is the relationship between Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) and attracting investments?
Moderator:
- Marie-José Tayah, Technical Specialist for Social Dialogue, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Panelists:
- Julia Batho, Deputy Chief Executive, Institute for Human Rights and Business
- Prof. Rana Sobh, Dean of College of Business & Economics, Qatar University
- Sandrine Lescaroux, President, Chambre de Commerce France-Qatar
- Ahmed ElIdrisy, HSE, ESG and Sustainability Manager, Qatar Free Zones Authority
- Sheikha Amna Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Strategy Hub
- Dr. Najat El Mahdy, Chair and Co-Founder, Qatar HR Forum - the OD Company
- Sabine de Bruijn, Coordinating policy officer, RBC Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Netherlands
- 10:55 am - 11:00 am
Closing Remarks
- 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Morning Coffee Break
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Circular Economy: The Potential for Sustainable Enterprises & Decent Jobs
Facilitated by ILO, the Ministry of Labour and Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics
Session 3: Creating a circular economy that works for all
During this third and final session, all speakers and experts will be invited to a roundtable discussion on how we can create a circular economy that works for all. Bringing policymakers, investors, business associations and entrepreneurs to the same table, the speakers will be asked to focus on the investments, policies, and concrete actions we need to accelerate the transition to circularity and harness the potential for sustainable enterprises and decent jobs.
Moderator:
- Casper N. Edmonds, Head of Unit, Extractives, Energy & Manufacturing, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- 12:30 pm - 13:00 pm
Coffee & Prayer Break
- 13:00 pm - 14:00 pm
Panel discussion: UN-Business Partnerships to foster Sustainable Development: best practices by UNESCO & UNGC
- Engage Qatar's corporate sector for sustainability, digital inclusion, and education to advance the 2030 Agenda with UNESCO, UN Global Compact, and private sector involvement
- Forge Qatar partnerships for CSR agendas, leveraging collaboration, addressing country-specific issues, and creating shared value through projects and ventures.
- Inspire participants to take concrete actions within their respective organizations and communities to contribute to the 2030 Agenda in Qatar
Moderator:
- Guiomar Payo, Programme Coordination Officer, UNESCO
Panelists:
- Alexandra Tarazi, Senior Regional Programmes Manager, UN Global Compact
- Dimitra Theodoropulus, Director Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, talabat
- Mohamed Saadeh, General Manager, Darwish Interserve Facility Management
- 14:00 pm - 15:00 pm
Lunch Break
- 15:00 pm - 16:00 pm
Paradigm Shift Toward Regenerative Business Models in Business Education
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with Victoria Forum
This workshop delves into transformative approaches for integrating regenerative business models into education. Participants will explore strategies to infuse sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices into business curricula, fostering a new generation of responsible leaders.
Dr. Adel Guitouni, Associate Professor, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
Workshops Meeting Room 102 - Stream B Exclusive Session: by Invitation Only
- 10:30 am - 16:00 pm
Labour issues in Responsible Supply Chain Management Session 3
Facilitated by MEBAS in collaboration with ILO
The workshop aims to develop a training package on Sustainable Supply Chain Management for MEBAS member universities. It focuses on SDG 8, emphasizing inclusive economic growth and decent work. Topics include global trade contexts, labor issues in supply chains, and best practices for competitiveness and optimization.
Emily Sims, Snr. Specialist & Manager ILO Helpdesk for Business, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- 16:00 pm
