Muscat: The global youth organisation, AIESEC, is to hold a conference called Sustain Oman, on Thursday, at the Shangri-La's Bar, Al Jizza Resort and Spa in Oman.

Anjali Thakrar, the president of the group, launched the conference, which is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech).

“The project aims to impart the local definition of CSR and to introduce global best case practices on implementation methods of CSR, in a unique manner through an internship programme and a series of events,” she said.

She explained that the event will introduce the project and its objectives both to society and to the corporate community and give an overview of the current status of CSR in Oman.

"The Sustain Oman AIESEC project will involve sending out 20 Omani students to work in CSR-related issues abroad, as well as receiving interns to work in Oman and provide insight on global best case practices in CSR," explained Thakrar.

Adding that another CSR conference will take place for when the student internships end, Thakrar told how a CSR Manual is also planned and will act as a guideline for any company establishing CSR strategies.

"Corporate Social Responsibility should not be a philanthropic activity. It's possible for CSR to have a business case – this is where business innovation can come into play," said Professor Dr Heba Aziz, Head of the Department of Sustainable Tourism and Regional Development at GUtech.