Canon underlines importance of private sector to focus on value creation through social responsibility initiatives

Canon Middle East, leader in imaging solutions, has emphasised the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in contributing to economic growth and social development in the region. Canon has also pointed out that maximum benefit from the CSR programs adopted by private companies can be acquired through gathering information, drawing on the experience of other companies which are already engaged in various high-impact CSR initiatives and focusing on the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Canon also pointed to its corporate philosophy kyosei, which largely translates to “Living and working together for the common good”. Canon in fact has given kyosei a broader definition - “All people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future.”

Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications Manager at Canon Middle East, said, “The presence of imbalances in our world in areas such as trade, income levels and the environment hinders the achievement of kyosei. Addressing these imbalances is an ongoing mission, and we are doing our part by actively pursuing kyosei. Truly global companies must foster good relations, not only with their customers and the communities in which they operate, but also with nations and the environment. They must also bear the responsibility for the impact of their activities on society. For this reason, Canon’s goal is to contribute to global prosperity and the well-being of mankind, which will lead to continuing growth and bring the world closer to achieving kyosei.”

Meanwhile, Canon Middle East extended its support to the 11th edition of the Rashid Award for Humanitarian Studies, which was announced on April 21, 2011 at the Meydan Hotel, wherein Canon underlined its long term commitment to various humanitarian initiatives. 

Launched by Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, Rashid Award for Humanitarian Studies is given away under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to encourage humanitarian studies and research on children with special needs. 

“Canon Middle East has always prioritised Corporate Social Responsibility, making this an integral part of our operations in the region. Moreover, we have been committed to our corporate philosophy of kyosei, which translates to ‘Living and working together for the common good’. Accordingly, we believe that children with special needs are an integral part of our society, and every effort needs to be made by the private sector to ensure that these children get the best care and support. The Rashid Award for Humanitarian Studies is a commendable initiative that has made a significant impact in enhancing the quality of life of children with special needs by encouraging research in this field,” said Mai Youssef.

“Today, increasingly private sector firms are realising that demonstrating social responsibility can substantially boost the ability to transform good ideas into new solutions that goes a long way in achieving positive social development and business success, underlining the role of innovation in enhancing competitiveness, and achieving value creation and sustainable growth,” she added. 

The award, among others, recognised a media organisation that has best highlighted the lives of special needs children and also an organisation that has shown extraordinary performance to promote the cause of such children.