Special to ag-IP-news Agency

 

MANAMA - HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), was named the "International Ambassador for Corporate Social Responsibility" in a ceremony held at the Gulf Hotel Conferences Hall in Manama under the patronage of HE Fatima Mohammed Al Balushi, Minister of Social Development. 

 

The high-level ceremony also witnessed the launch of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Award for Social Initiatives and attended by former Sudanese President, Field Marshal HE Abdulrahman Siwar Al Dahab; HE Prof. Yousef Abdul Ghaffar, Chairman of the Regional Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (RNSR); RNSR's Board members; officials; intellectuals; businessmen; civil society and media leaders. 

 

Dr. Al Balushi affirmed that social and societal work in the Kingdom of Bahrain in particular, and in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the Arab countries in general, became a beacon commended by all workers. She pointed out that the people of the region crystallize excellent examples of hard-work and giving that are commended by the whole world, thanks to the guide and support of their wise governments. 

 

Al Balushi added, "This forum, hosted by Bahrain, seeks to honor those with distinguished initiatives in the field of social service and corporate social responsibility". She also congratulated all the attendees for being nominated for "International Ambassadors for Corporate Social Responsibility" awards.  

Prof. Abdul Ghaffar stated that RNSR's Board designated HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh to be the "International Ambassador for Social Responsibility" in recognition of his significant efforts in the fields of social responsibility, sustainable development, and social services. 

 

He added that Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Award for Social Initiatives is a reflection of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh's role in the enhancement of partnerships in the field of social work in the Arab world in particular, and all over the world in general. 

 

He stated that this professional award is to support initiatives provided by social community organizations and that the award would be at the Bahraini level in its first cycle, Gulf level in its second, to reach the Arab level in the following cycles. He added that the initiative is also to support professional partnerships in the field of social work and to exchange knowledge among Arab countries. 

 

In his turn, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his gratitude for being granted the title of "International Ambassador for Social Responsibility", saying "It is my honor to launch the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Award for Social Initiatives which represents a major responsibility that requires more effort and time in order to consolidate the Award's vision and objectives to advance social work and institutional performances to a professional level and to consolidate the awareness regarding community work”.

 

He added that this honor dates back to the foundation of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization in 1972 when TAG-Org clearly stated that its mission is not limited to make business and maximize profits, rather, to provide high quality professional services, build capacities and contribute to the socio-economic development in the Arab world; the concept that made a difference and instilled the concept of social responsibility. He clarified that since then TAG-Org had launched and implemented hundreds of initiatives.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh pointed out that the Organization is part of the UN Global Compact, and that he served as the Vice-President of the Compact during the mandate of Mr. Kofi Annan, and that he was reassigned Vice-Chair of the Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon. He also encouraged and praised all social responsibility initiatives all over the world that make effective qualitative change in the societies.

 

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh commended the RNSR’s mission and objectives, and acknowledged the efforts made by its Chair and Board members.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Al Balushi presented Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh an honorary shield in recognition of his support to the community initiatives. Marshal Abdulrahman Siwar Al Dahab also presented Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh another honorary shield in recognition of his role in building Arab institutions.

 

In his turn, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh presented Marshal Abdulrahman Siwar Al Dahad with the Ideal Statesman shield. He also presented Dr. Al Balushi with an honorary shield in recognition of her leading role in the community work.