Qatar Chamber Stresses Role of ESG Standards in Boosting Business Competitiveness

Qatar Chamber First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari has emphasised the growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards in shaping the modern business environment, describing them as essential drivers of corporate sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and long-term economic growth amid changing global economic dynamics.

Delivering the opening remarks at the Third ESG Qatar Conference, which kicked off on Tuesday, bin Twar said sustainability had evolved beyond environmental protection to encompass a broader framework of social responsibility, sound corporate governance, transparency, disclosure and accountability.

These principles are essential to building more efficient institutions, strengthening corporate performance and fostering trust among businesses, investors and other stakeholders, he noted.

The conference brought together senior officials, business leaders, sustainability experts, financial institutions and representatives of the private sector to discuss emerging ESG trends and the growing role of responsible business practices in promoting sustainable economic development.

The opening session was attended by the conference’s guests of honour, HE Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, former Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Minister of State, and HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library.

Also present were Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Vice Chairman of the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber, and Dr Buthaina Al Ansari, Chairperson of Hawkama International and President of the conference, along with several ambassadors accredited to Qatar.

Representatives of leading financial institutions, including QNB Group, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB), also attended the event, alongside prominent members of Qatar’s business community and other stakeholders.

Bin Twar reaffirmed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to promoting sound governance and sustainability practices across the private sector, highlighting their importance in improving corporate efficiency, strengthening risk management, enhancing competitiveness and ensuring long-term business sustainability.

He said the Chamber was working to encourage Qatari companies to adopt responsible business practices and align their operations with evolving international ESG standards. Such efforts are increasingly important as businesses respond to changing market expectations, investor priorities and global sustainability requirements.

He further noted that the adoption of ESG principles would support Qatar’s transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy while contributing to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Chamber’s support for the conference, he added, reflects its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue, promoting knowledge-sharing and facilitating the exchange of local and international expertise in corporate governance and sustainability.

The discussions are particularly relevant as businesses increasingly recognise that sustainability and governance are integral to long-term value creation, rather than merely compliance requirements. Integrating ESG considerations into corporate strategies can help companies strengthen operational resilience, identify and manage risks, improve transparency and build confidence among investors and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Dr Buthaina Al Ansari announced the launch of Qatar’s first specialised digital platform dedicated to streamlining corporate ESG reporting, marking a step towards facilitating the adoption of sustainability reporting practices among institutions and companies.

The platform provides an automated and systematic framework designed to align institutional data and regulatory disclosure requirements with recognised international ESG standards. It aims to help companies organise relevant information, submit data and prepare ESG reports in line with international reporting frameworks.

The initiative is expected to support organisations in approaching ESG reporting in a more structured manner by simplifying the process of collecting and organising information required for sustainability disclosures.

The conference programme features specialised sessions examining key developments in the ESG landscape, including the integration of sustainability standards into corporate strategies and the role of governance, transparency and disclosure in improving institutional performance and strengthening investor confidence.

Participants are also discussing the contribution of financial institutions and the private sector to building a sustainable economy, managing ESG-related risks and implementing responsible corporate practices.

The sessions further provide a platform for exchanging expertise and examining best practices that can help businesses incorporate sustainability considerations into decision-making, improve accountability and respond effectively to changing economic and regulatory expectations.

The conference underscores the growing importance of integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into business operations as Qatar’s private sector continues to pursue sustainable growth, greater competitiveness and alignment with the country’s long-term development priorities.