The business community in UAE recently were given the opportunity to learn more about CSR leadership in the healthcare sector. The 'CSR Leadership Forum' for the Healthcare Sector, held in Dubai Healthcare City, was organized by the Dubai-Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), in association with Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust - Middle East Branch (JJCCT).

The forum was attended by key leaders from the Ministry of Health, Saudi German Hospital Group, HDR CUH2A, and Lifescan amongst others. With healthcare headlining the event, the forum held discussions on key CSR drivers, the main challenges, best practices and recommendations for CSR success in the sector. The forum also highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Executive Director of the Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dr Belaid Rettab, was reported to have said, 'The time is opportune for Dubai to lead the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda in the region by establishing responsible business practices and stronger corporate governance. A strong CSR leadership is an imperative in any formal attempt to institutionalise CSR.'

Johnson & Johnson's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Europe, Middle East & North Africa, Frank Welvaert, explained, 'We believe in and are committed to delivering value to the communities we serve working with all stakeholders to achieve a win-win equation for business and society.'

The UAE's healthcare sector is currently among the most dynamic areas of the economy and predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years. Sustainability in this sector is fast becoming an issue as CSR moves into the mainstream agenda of businesses.