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KPMG Lower Gulf has reorganized its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy in the UAE and Oman, with a renewed focus on positively impacting the communities in which the firm operates, even as they battle the ill effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

KPMG’s CSR program is built on four pillars: Education, Environment, Inclusion and Diversity, and Staff Health and Wellbeing. Within this framework, KPMG aims to support various charitable organizations through donations, volunteering and gifts in kind.

James Babb, Partner and Head of Clients and Markets at KPMG Lower Gulf, commented: “At KPMG, we believe that businesses have a role to play in making the world a better place. This is even more critical now, when communities around the world are grappling with profound social and economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, our refreshed CSR strategy addresses the pressing social and environmental issues facing our region.” 

KPMG’s commitment to serving communities in the UAE and Oman is underscored by its support of initiatives such as ‘10 Million Meals,’ which donated 15.3 million meals this Ramadan. KPMG raised AED 60,000 for this cause. Similarly, the firm donated approximately AED 45,000 to the SmartLife Foundation’s initiative to support blue collar workers in Dubai. Contributions were used to purchase hygiene and food packs for low-income individuals and families.

KPMG also contributed to Dubai Cares and the UAE Ministry of Education’s efforts to support students through ‘Education Uninterrupted,’ a nationwide fundraising campaign that tackles the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the education of children and youth in the UAE. KPMG donated 100 laptops for this cause.

In Oman, KPMG likewise supported the Al Rahma Association for Motherhood and Childhood with a donation of OMR 1,500 and 45 laptops to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on education and wellbeing.

As part of the CSR initiatives under Staff Health and Wellbeing, KPMG is streaming free exercise sessions for its employees to stay fit while working from home. This has also been extended to employees of client businesses. KPMG also conducted free live training sessions, ‘Ask the KPMG expert,’ for client employees. The firm’s specialists conducted LinkedIn sessions on personal branding, with additional sessions planned.

KPMG’s environment-focused CSR measures include the move to new offices at One Central in Dubai – a sustainably designed, intelligent workspace which is forecast to save 60% in power usage and 35% in water consumption thanks to energy-efficient fittings and furnishings. The new location also includes recycling facilities and is accessible by green transport.

Peter Haugaard, Head of People, Performance and Culture at KPMG Lower Gulf, commented: “KPMG Lower Gulf’s CSR strategy was renewed with the aim of delivering value to society. The measurable, tangible initiatives we undertake reinforce our commitment to supporting and protecting our communities – not only during the coronavirus pandemic, but in the long term.”

For more information, please visit kpmg.com/ae