National CSR Fund - MAJRA Hosts ‘Impact Retreat’ to Drive Private Sector Participation in Sustainable Development

The National CSR Fund – MAJRA recently hosted its ‘Impact Retreat’ on November 29, aimed at encouraging private sector companies to adopt social responsibility practices in alignment with the UAE’s sustainable development goals. The event, attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of MAJRA’s Board of Trustees, brought together key private sector leaders, stakeholders, and recipients of the Impact Medal for Social Responsibility.

The core objective of the retreat was to inspire the private sector to actively engage in social responsibility efforts that align with the UAE’s environmental, social, economic, and governance indicators. It also sought to foster a collaborative approach to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive national agenda that involves private sector participation.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s leadership in fostering social responsibility, stating, “The UAE retains its leading position in fostering social responsibility practices. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable positive impact through an inclusive agenda that actively involves the private sector.”

He emphasized that the retreat served as a platform to forge strategic partnerships and ensure the development of frameworks and policies that address pressing societal challenges. “It fosters innovation and teamwork, supporting the creation of a balanced and sustainable economy that benefits society and future generations,” he added, referring to key initiatives such as the ‘National Sustainability Strategy’ and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

Collaborating for Social Impact

The retreat featured interactive discussions focused on five national priority areas: education, arts, culture, and history, the environment, healthcare, and technology. These discussions aimed to develop actionable projects that could support the UAE’s national objectives. Participants were divided into two main categories: ‘main community segments,’ representing youth, women, the elderly, people of determination, and families; and ‘secondary community segments,’ which included small businesses, entrepreneurs, creative experts, and third-sector institutions.

Sarah Shaw, Director of the National CSR Fund – MAJRA, spoke about the importance of aligning the private sector’s capabilities with national priorities. “At MAJRA, we are committed to building an ecosystem that measures and evaluates CSR initiatives, ensuring their effectiveness and long-term impact,” she said.

A Future of Sustainable Collaboration

During the event, participants reviewed a range of innovative ideas aimed at driving social responsibility and sustainability in the UAE. Over the next three years, MAJRA plans to implement several initiatives to address pressing social issues and advance the UAE’s vision of prosperity. By fostering collaboration and innovation, MAJRA aims to build new foundations for a sustainable society, ensuring that the UAE continues its leadership in social responsibility and sustainable development.