Businesses asked to shoulder responsibility

Dubai: Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, yesterday reiterated that the business community has a moral obligation towards millions of children who lack primary education.

Stressing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Dubai Cares charity campaign, Shaikh Maktoum urged the business community to play an active and effective role in raising funds for the campaign that was set up on Wednesday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"Dubai Cares is a good opportunity for the corporate community to prove its commitment to CSR values... Together we can offer fresh hope for education to children in poverty- stricken countries. The power of knowledge will help these countries overcome poverty and join the bandwagon for global development," said Shaikh Maktoum.

No ceiling

The Dubai Cares campaign seeks to raise funds for primary education for around one million needy children in poor countries. In the fifth day since its launch, the six-week long campaign raised 65 per cent of its target of Dh200 million, with etisalat making the sixth largest donation of Dh25 million.

"We are delighted to be able to participate in this campaign," said Mohammad Omran, Chairman of etisalat.

Despite the early success of the campaign, said its organisers, no ceiling will be set for the donations.

Mohammad Al Emadi, Dubai Cares project director, told Gulf News that the response from corporations was impressive, but it was important to also remember the contributions of individuals, no matter how small.

The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) has pledged Dh500,000 for Dubai Cares.