Doha: The 'Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Qatar's Business Leaders' forum explored pathways to bolster the readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country to meet sustainability-related regulatory requirements and enhance their competitive capacity.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was organized by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), featuring a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments.
Discussions covered upcoming Qatar Central Bank guidelines, the implications of Qatar Stock Exchange's adoption of the IFRS S1/S2 standards, and how ESG ratings influence investment and financing decisions. Experts also addressed the role of digital solutions in streamlining ESG reporting and management.
The sessions further explored strategies for embedding ESG into corporate decision-making and managing associated risks.
The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring leading experts and business leaders, emphasizing ESG as a strategic imperative and showcasing real-world examples of ESG-led business transformation and long-term value creation.
On the margins of this event, the ESG Guide for Small Enterprises was launched to provide a practical and scalable roadmap specifically designed to assist SMEs in integrating ESG principles into their core business functions.
The guide further aims to enable SMEs to align with the Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance their sustainability performance, and respond effectively to evolving global regulatory requirements. It serves as both a strategic and regulatory tool, supporting companies in transitioning toward a low-carbon and more resilient economy.
During the launch, Founding Chairman of GORD, Dr. Yousef Alhorr said: 'The ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar's proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives'.
For his part, Executive Director of SME Development of QDB, Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, said: 'At Qatar Development Bank, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognizing its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today's interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional - they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. Through this manual, developed in collaboration with GORD, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools to adapt, grow, and shape a sustainable future for Qatar'.