The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), represented by the Department of Social Protection, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Training and Consulting at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI), recently held a symposium titled "Activating Private Sector Social Responsibility Toward Vulnerable Groups."

The two-day event, held from December 8–9 at the Doha Institute headquarters, brought together executive leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the social and economic sectors.

The symposium aimed to highlight the national role of various sectors in supporting vulnerable populations and to introduce strategic projects tailored to these groups. By fostering effective partnerships between the Ministry and relevant sectors, the event sought to establish a framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and produce actionable recommendations for institutional participation.

The sessions and workshops explored several critical themes, including:

• The National CSR Framework: Aligning social responsibility with Qatar National Vision 2030.
• Best Practices: Identifying successful CSR mechanisms for supporting vulnerable groups.
• Pioneering Models: Showcasing initiatives from government and private entities.
• Institutional Integration: Discussing coordination mechanisms for joint initiatives.
• Impact Measurement: Clarifying indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of social programs.

Mr. Salem Hamad Dahbaj, Director of the Social Protection Department at the Ministry, opened the symposium by emphasizing the private sector’s role as a primary partner. "The responsibility of protecting and empowering vulnerable groups is no longer confined to government institutions," he stated. "It is a participatory duty requiring integration between the public sector, private sector, and civil society, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars of social justice and quality of life."

Dr. Ahmed Al-Mawari, Director of the Center of Excellence at DI, welcomed attendees, noting that the symposium is part of an ongoing cooperation agreement between the Ministry and the Institute. "This theme represents a moral and national commitment," Al-Mawari said. "The private sector is now a pivotal partner in development, extending beyond investment to actively contributing to social protection and sustainable impact."

Expert Panels and Case Studies

The first session, "Social Responsibility: Academic Perspective vs. Practical Application," was moderated by Dr. Khalid Ahmed Abdul Jabbar, Consultant at the Social Protection Department.

• Eng. Nasser Al-Mughaisib (MSDF) presented on the state of volunteering in Qatar.
• Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Rashid (Regional CSR Expert, Bahrain) shared successful Gulf-wide experiences.
• Dr. Abdelfattah Al-Hashimi (Hamad Bin Khalifa University) discussed the evolution of CSR from both Islamic and Western perspectives.

The second session, "Social Responsibility: Local and Regional Experiences," was moderated by Dr. Hamoud Alimat, Professor of Social Work at DI.

• Mr. Saqr Al-Mohannadi, Chairman of Seashore Group and Attaa Charity, detailed the group’s CSR journey.
• Ms. Al-Shaymaa Al-Asmar (Ooredoo) highlighted the telecom giant’s efforts in promoting a CSR culture.
• Dr. Ahmed Al-Farjabi (Ministry of Endowments) explored the role of Islamic Endowments (Waqf) in supporting vulnerable groups.

The symposium saw broad participation from administrative leaders, faculty from Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and researchers in social policy. A specialized training workshop was also held, analyzing case studies to help participants design sustainable social initiatives.

The event concluded with a panel discussion aimed at drafting practical recommendations to strengthen national partnerships. These efforts align with the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, ensuring comprehensive social and economic development for families and the wider community.