Arabia CSR Network successfully conducts Middle East’s first ever training on global standards for sustainability reporting

Sustainability reporting using global standards is on the rise says expert

The Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN) has successfully conducted the Middle East region's first round of training for Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for Sustainability Reporting. Held recently in Dubai, ACSRN, a certified training partner of GRI, offered the three-day course in English, covering lectures, discussions, exercises and review of case studies.

The course covered GRI Standards, the first global standards for sustainability reporting, including an overview and how CSR and sustainability practitioners can implement them throughout their reporting process. The course featured presentations on the main concepts and disclosures under the G4 Guidelines, featuring a new modular structure and format with clear reporting requirements. GRI Standards were developed by the Global Sustainability Standards Board, GRI’s dedicated standard-setting body.

Habiba Al Marashi, President and CEO of ACSRN, said: “We are very proud to be the first in the region to offer the essential training for GRI's Standards for Sustainability Reporting. The move demonstrates the increasing importance of sustainability reporting and the important role it plays in keeping your business at par with global business practices. During the three-day run of the program, our accredited trainers were able to provide best-in-class training via a modular and integrated system, which made it easy for practitioners to implement their sustainability initiatives using the GRI format.”

The training focused on the frameworks of the standards, how to apply these in actual reporting, the process of putting together a GRI Standards compliant report, and best practices from actual reports. The three day training will allow the participants to disseminate the concepts and tools learnt through the course among their CSR and reporting teams, which will provide the right methodology for putting together their sustainability reports. Participants also got to take home a certificate each, presented by GRI for successful completion of the course.

About Arabia CSR Network

The Arabia CSR Network is a professional multi stakeholder organization established in the UAE in 2004. It is devoted to advancing the principles and practices of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Arab region. It facilitates networking, learning and sharing experiences and knowledge in matters of CSR. The Arabia CSR Network was the first GRI certified training partner for the Arabic speaking Middle East countries. The Arabia CSR Network promotes, encourages and recognizes responsible business practices through a bunch of services and offerings, including trainings, research and best practice, advisory services, third party assurance and a Pan-Arab acclaimed award and forum initiative known as the Arabia CSR Awards and Forum. For more information, please visit www.arabiacsrnetwork.com or email us at admin@arabiacsrnetwork.com.