Over the past decade, the company has grown a strong reputation for achieving the best results in terms of upgrading the grid and installing a new generation of wireless smart meters in Kurdistan-Iraq and Beirut, in addition to operational and maintenance procedures.

As Middle East Power's founder and CEO, Karim Tahseen Khayyat prioritises robust corporate social responsibility policies in all of the company's activities. Benefitting from robust financial support, decades of public/private partnership experience and an extensive regional network, Middle East Power has rapidly established itself as an industry leader in the Middle East energy sector. The company's corporate social responsibility arm, MEP Cares, furthers Middle East Power's commitment to prioritising social, environmental and economic actions that go above and beyond legislative requirements in all of its corporate practices.

Implementing a comprehensive and strident corporate social responsibility programme, MEP Cares was created to:

• Help the company understand the context and issues within which its employees operate, enabling Middle East Power to make the best possible choices while continually progressing its role
• Establish the necessary structure and systems to ensure that the company has the desired impact
• Leverage activities to enhance the company's value.
• Maintain the company's commitment to continuous improvement

What Is Corporate Social Responsibility and Why Is It So Important?

MEP Cares reflects Middle East Power's solid commitment to cultivating effective corporate social responsibility strategies. But what is corporate social responsibility, and how does it have a positive impact on the communities that businesses operate in?

Corporate social responsibility is a broad term used to describe the efforts of a business to improve society. This can range from pledging money to implementing environmentally-friendly workplace policies. According to EnergyLink, socially responsible companies do more than merely earmarking a proportion of their profits for philanthropic pursuits.

Corporate social responsibility is a company's commitment to managing the environmental, social and economic impact of its operations responsibly in line with public expectations. It forms part of an organisation's approach to corporate governance, touching upon a variety of aspects of the business; from human resources and health and safety to supply chain and business operations.

Corporate social responsibility activities may include:

• Reinvesting profits in environmental programmes or health and safety initiatives
• Supporting charities in the local communities where a company operates
• Promoting equal opportunities for women and men at an executive level
• Working with partner organisations that prioritise ethical business practices

Some aspects of corporate social responsibility, such as protecting people's personal information, are mandated by law, while others are voluntary.

Corporate social responsibility has a positive impact on both businesses and society. By implementing robust corporate social responsibility strategies, companies enhance their reputation, attract positive attention, and save money through operational efficiency. Socially responsible organisations minimise

their environmental impacts, making them more attractive to top talent and enhancing their ability to inspire innovations.

Corporate social responsibility is incredibly important to companies. After all, if the community a business operates in does not approve of how it operates, its reputation, and ultimately its profitability, is likely to suffer.

According to EnergyLink, adopting an ethical and socially responsible corporate culture benefits companies in several key ways:

• Building public trust. According to one survey, 88% of respondents reported that they were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities that directly improve society
• Enhancing positive relationships and building a sense of community among consumers, as well as inspiring staff loyalty
• Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the company
• Encouraging the personal and professional growth of employees

In modern society, corporate social responsibility is more than a tick-box exercise, forming a fundamental part of corporate governance in forward-thinking organisations, enhancing brand and - ultimately - profitability.