The Ajman Centre for Social Responsibility – a subsidiary of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry – has organised a workshop to raise awareness about social responsibility as a concept and to highlight its role in driving sustainability and business growth. Nasser Al-Dhafri, CEO of Ajman Centre for Social Responsibility, opened the session, which brought together various influential stakeholders and heads of institutions and companies in the emirate. The workshop shed light on social responsibility and the role it plays in promoting community service and ensuring sustainable social and economic development. It also highlighted the role of the private sector in promoting the concept to the community at large, before exploring success stories from various institutions and companies. “Social responsibility is a broad concept and goes beyond charity,” noted Al-Dhafri at the beginning of the workshop. “Its impact is far greater and serves to advance sustainability, progress, and prosperity, all the while creating opportunities and developing solutions that allow society to overcome all challenges.” “These workshops offer a platform to raise awareness of this concept, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and enhance capabilities and skills in the sector,” he added. “This, in turn, lays the groundwork for innovative initiatives that promote this concept among all segments of the community – and Ajman’s business sector, in particular.” Al-Dhafri went on to stress the Centre’s commitment to moving forward towards its strategic goals, which support the Emirate of Ajman in its ambitious vision and strategic plan to build a happy society and a green economy, led by an achievement-oriented government and aligned with the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years. Led by Rita Haddad CEO of Quality Matters Consultancy Management, the workshop explored the definition of social responsibility as a steady commitment from the business community to play a part in driving economic development. It delved into the various types of social responsibility, highlighting the role that organisations play in promoting the concept of social responsibility, and underlining the importance of partnerships with the private sector. As part of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ajman Centre for Social Responsibility provides resources and guidance on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues. It seeks to enhance the positive role that business can play, raising awareness about and promoting CSR. The Centre aims to ensure long-term social and economic wellbeing in the Emirate of Ajman, in addition to establishing itself as a regional and global reference for sustainability and social responsibility.