Corporate Responsibility at HSBC

"HSBC globally prides itself in being a responsible citizen with the emphasis on environmentally friendly actions. The Climate Partnership that was formed in May 2007 is just one of many milestones on our records. In Qatar we have been very active over the last 12 months, creating awareness amongst scholars and employees about the importance of conducting business in an environmentally friendly way. Partnering with Qatar Today to support the Green Awards for 2008, is yet another opportunity to enhance the awareness of the importance of actions by all corporates as well as individuals. We are hoping to see a great number of entries and a change in the attitudes of our communities." – Robert DeGama, Deputy CEO and chairperson of the Corporate Responsibility Committee at HSBC Qatar.

For HSBC, corporate responsibility, or 'CR', means managing our business responsibly and sensitively for long-term success. Our goal is not, and never has been, profit at any cost because we know that tomorrow's success depends on the trust we build today.

HSBC has a global as well as local Corporate Responsibility strategy. The global strategy includes a number of environmental and educational programmes of which the HSBC Climate Partnership that was launched in May 2007 is a major project. HSBC committed 100 million USD over 5 years to support environmental institutions like Earthwatch, WWF, Climate group and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in their activities to combat global warming. More information about our extensive global strategy is available on our website www.hsbc.com.

Locally HSBC is becoming a very responsible member of society. In 2007 we presented a number of ground breaking initiatives including Tree Planting on World Environment Day, a re-use, reduce and recycle project with the American School of Doha and a volunteer trip to Kenya with Earthwatch.

2008 will prove to be an exciting year with projects of great impact in Qatar. More details will be available soon.

Qatar Foundation

“By supporting Qatar Today green awards we aim to educate the public on environmental issues. Through this partnership Qatar Foundation hopes to achieve an important step in promoting environmental awareness in our community. We feel that the green awards initiative provides a platform for people to make an effort in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. We are excited to be part of this and hope it yields positive results.”
Yousef Fakhroo, Acting Marketing Manager, Public Relations & Marketing - Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a private, non-profit organisation established by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned is the chairperson of Qatar Foundation and is instrumental in setting the vision of the organisation. Qatar Foundation’s mission is to prepare the people of Qatar and the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world, and to make Qatar a leader in innovative education and research. In essence, its’ ultimate aim is to build a knowledge-based society.

To achieve that mission, Qatar Foundation supports a network of centers and partnerships with progressive learning institutions and research institutes, including branch campuses of the world’s leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center – all committed to the principle that a nation’s greatest natural resource is its people. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.

The majority of these centers and partners are situated in Education City, Qatar Foundation’s flagship project, home to world-class universities such as Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar. Education City aims to be the pivot of educational excellence in the region, instructing students in fields of critical importance to the GCC region. It is also conceived of as a forum, where world-renowned universities share research and facilities, not only with each other but also with businesses and institutions in public and private sectors.

Education City also houses premier research and learning institutes such as Qatar Science & Technology Park, Sidra Medical and Research Center and RAND–Qatar Policy Institute.

While engaging in a range of community development initiatives including, the Doha Debates, Lakom Al Karar and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel, Qatar Foundation has broadened its’ horizons further by venturing into Asia through Reach Out To Asia (ROTA). ROTA’s primary focus is on community development projects in Asia with the mandate of helping to safeguard educational access at all times.

For more information please visit: www.qf.org.qa

Sharq Village and Spa

Sharq Village & Spa offers 174 rooms and suites, with intimate courtyard settings, reflecting 6,000 years of deeply rooted Qatari heritage and tradition. The waterfront property is in the Middle East for its authentic re-creation of life in an ancient desert village, including a 71,500-square foot Six Senses spa in the style of a Qatari souq.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company operates 70 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over 30 projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Sanya and Dove Mountain, Arizona. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, which recognized outstanding customer service. For more information, contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations line at 1 (800) 241-3333, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com or consult a travel professional.

Sharq Village & Spa will be the venue for the awards ceremony that will be held later this year.

“We are delighted to be partners with Qatar Today on this great initiative,” says Mr. Hoss Vetry, General Manager, Sharq Village & Spa. “In developing our community, it is our goal to inspire new ways to positively affect the lives of others. We actively participate with our local neighbours in making real contributions to our community today in order to help create lasting change for tomorrow. We believe that we can make a difference and understand that every contribution we make is an opportunity to leave an imprint on the local community.”

“We are also committed to protecting the environment for our Ladies and Gentlemen, guests and the local community. By implementing a wide range of environmental solutions, we conserve and protect global natural resources. Our Ritz Environmental Action Conservation Team (REACT) is constantly seeking ways to improve environmental practices through energy and water conservation and waste management.”