Ooredoo sponsors gala dinner for Business and Human Rights Forum

Ooredoo supported the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights’ first UN Asia Regional Forum this week, hosting a gala dinner at the Museum of Islamic Arts Park for conference guests.

The Forum, which took place from 19 to 20 April 2016, gave participants the opportunity to find out about the implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the region. Speakers at the gala dinner included H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Al -Thani, Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dante Pesce - Chairman, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

The event brought participants and Ministry officials together to discuss key topics, as well as offering visitors from overseas the chance to learn about Qatar’s traditional hospitality. During the dinner, ManarKhalifaAlmuraikhi, Senior Manager of Community Relations for Ooredoo, presented an update on some of the company’s award-winning CSR initiatives, as well as highlighting its work on a number of national and international partners.

H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Al -Thani, Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented: “This UN forum has given us the chance to emphasise that the State of Qatar pays special attention to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We have given our full attention and participation to this event, and hope to see positive results and partnerships in the future. Thank you to Ooredoo for their cooperation in organising the gala dinner and for supporting Qatar’s human rights development strategy.”

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief New Business Officer, Ooredoo, and Deputy Chairman, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, said: “Ooredoo is a company created for and by the people of this country. We see a strong connection between good business and supporting human development, and we are proud to help such an important event, as part of our wider support for the execution of the 2030 Qatar National Vision.”

Ooredoo has pledged its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“Global Goals”), which aim to eradicate extreme poverty, improve the lives of people and create an all-round healthier world for tomorrow. In particular, the company is supporting initiatives that support good health for all; gender equality; and which boost innovation and infrastructure. As well as a dinner and presentation, Ooredooorganised an Arda dancing show for guests - the traditional sword dance that is a key part of Qatari culture.

The UN Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights gathered representatives of governments, business, industry associations, civil society organisations, investor groups, international and regional bodies, and national human rights institutions for the event. Key topics at the forum included the rights of migrant workers; human rights defenders; rights of women in a business context; and indigenous peoples’ rights.