NEOM Social Responsibility Awards Honor 19 Outstanding Contributors

NEOM, the sustainable development taking shape in northwestern Saudi Arabia, hosted its inaugural NEOM Social Responsibility Awards ceremony on August 14, 2024, honoring 19 winners for outstanding contributions to social responsibility. The event, held in NEOM and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), recognized the efforts of NEOM’s employees, sectors, departments, partners, and local communities in advancing social impact and sustainable development.

Context and Background

NEOM Social Responsibility (NEOM SR) organized the awards as part of its mission to promote a culture of social responsibility across NEOM, its regions, and its sectors. The ceremony reflects NEOM’s commitment to empowering local communities and enhancing human capacity through sustainable projects, aligning with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

NEOM Chief Executive Nadhmi Al-Nasr praised the winners, stating, “Our commitment to social responsibility is a reflection of our core values and aligns seamlessly with NEOM’s vision and the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. Sustainability, as one of NEOM’s pillars, drives us to innovate and act in ways that create lasting, positive impact.”

Key Details

The awards honored 19 winners across three main categories: NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners, and NEOM Individuals. Within the NEOM Sectors category, NEOM Operations, THE LINE proponent, and Oxagon were recognized. In the NEOM Partners category, Nesma & Partners, Ernst & Young (EY), and King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) received awards. The NEOM Individuals category celebrated 13 individuals: Bader Aljishi, Waleed BinSalman, Farida Qtishat, Salima Rahim, Juanita van Tonder, Gunay Aghayeva, Amarah Rahim, Aritom Pokidysevn, Nadirah Rahim, Thadickal V. Joydas, Sultan Alharbi, Reema Alfakhri, and Anas Alshafi.

Attendees included NEOM executives, employees, business partners, school students, and members of the local NEOM and Tabuk communities. The event highlighted best practices and exemplary contributions, aiming to inspire wider participation in social initiatives by individuals and enterprises.

Implications and Impact

The NEOM Social Responsibility Awards underscore NEOM’s role as an enabler, facilitator, and catalyst of socioeconomic growth. In 2023, 50,000 people benefited from NEOM’s social responsibility programs, 26 projects were awarded to companies in Tabuk, and 583 individuals from NEOM and Tabuk gained employment opportunities. Additionally, NEOM introduced its first integrated volunteering ecosystem, engaging more than 1,300 volunteers across 68 opportunities.

These efforts demonstrate NEOM’s dedication to creating lasting, positive impact and fostering inclusive communities, setting a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in the region and beyond.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The NEOM Social Responsibility Awards directly support Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life, empowering communities, and driving sustainable economic growth. By celebrating outstanding contributions, NEOM reinforces its commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive future that benefits both the Kingdom and the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the NEOM Social Responsibility Awards ceremony?

A1. The NEOM Social Responsibility Awards ceremony is an annual event hosted by NEOM Social Responsibility to honor outstanding contributions to social responsibility by NEOM’s employees, sectors, partners, and communities. The inaugural ceremony took place on August 14, 2024.

Q2. Who attended the inaugural NEOM Social Responsibility Awards ceremony?

A2. Attendees included NEOM executives, employees, business partners, school students, and members of the local NEOM and Tabuk communities. The event brought together diverse stakeholders to celebrate collective achievements in social responsibility.

Q3. How many winners were honored at the ceremony?

A3. A total of 19 winners were honored across three main award categories: NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners, and NEOM Individuals. This recognition highlights the broad impact of social responsibility efforts across the organization.

Q4. What are the three main award categories?

A4. The three main categories are NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners, and NEOM Individuals. Each category recognizes different groups contributing to social responsibility within the NEOM ecosystem.

Q5. Which entities won in the NEOM Sectors category?

A5. NEOM Operations, THE LINE proponent, and Oxagon were recognized in the NEOM Sectors category. These sector winners demonstrated exceptional commitment to integrating social responsibility into their operations.

Q6. Which partners received awards in the NEOM Partners category?

A6. Nesma & Partners, Ernst & Young (EY), and King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) were honored in the NEOM Partners category. Their contributions exemplify the power of collaboration in driving social impact.

Q7. Who were the individual award winners?

A7. The 13 individual winners were Bader Aljishi, Waleed BinSalman, Farida Qtishat, Salima Rahim, Juanita van Tonder, Gunay Aghayeva, Amarah Rahim, Aritom Pokidysevn, Nadirah Rahim, Thadickal V. Joydas, Sultan Alharbi, Reema Alfakhri, and Anas Alshafi.

Q8. What did NEOM Chief Executive Nadhmi Al-Nasr say about the awards?

A8. Nadhmi Al-Nasr stated that the commitment to social responsibility reflects NEOM’s core values and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. He praised the winners for driving meaningful change and building a sustainable future.

Q9. What is the purpose of the NEOM Social Responsibility Awards?

A9. The awards aim to highlight best practices and exemplary contributions, acknowledge genuine commitment to social responsibility, and inspire wider participation in social initiatives by individuals and enterprises.

Q10. How does NEOM SR support local communities?

A10. NEOM SR supports local communities by accelerating progress, enhancing quality of life, and embedding value for the communities of NEOM and Tabuk. It acts as an enabler and catalyst of socioeconomic growth.

Q11. What impact did NEOM’s social responsibility programs have in 2023?

A11. In 2023, 50,000 people benefited from NEOM’s social responsibility programs. Additionally, 26 projects were awarded to companies in Tabuk, and 583 individuals from NEOM and Tabuk gained employment opportunities.

Q12. How many volunteers participated in NEOM’s volunteering ecosystem?

A12. NEOM introduced its first integrated volunteering ecosystem, engaging more than 1,300 volunteers across 68 different opportunities to serve their communities. This initiative demonstrates NEOM’s commitment to fostering a culture of volunteerism.

Q13. How do the awards align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. The awards align with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting social responsibility, enhancing quality of life, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable economic growth. They reflect NEOM’s adherence to the vision’s overarching objectives.

Q14. What sub-categories were recognized within the main categories?

A14. The sub-categories included NEOM Employees, NEOM Families, NEOM Community School Students, Partner Employees, and Local Community. These sub-categories ensure recognition across various stakeholder groups.

Q15. What is NEOM Social Responsibility’s role?

A15. NEOM Social Responsibility promotes a culture of social responsibility across NEOM, its regions, and sectors. It inspires stakeholders to contribute to shaping responsible communities and sustainable development.

Q16. How does NEOM define sustainability as a pillar?

A16. Sustainability is one of NEOM’s core pillars, driving innovation and actions that create lasting, positive impact. It guides NEOM’s efforts to build a sustainable future for communities and the nation.

Q17. What message did the ceremony convey to the community?

A17. The ceremony conveyed a message of appreciation and inspiration, celebrating outstanding contributions and encouraging wider participation in social initiatives. It reinforced NEOM’s commitment to inclusive and prosperous communities.

Q18. How can other organizations participate in similar initiatives?

A18. Organizations can participate by aligning with NEOM SR’s programs, partnering on sustainable projects, and fostering a culture of social responsibility. The awards serve as a model for recognizing and inspiring such efforts.

Q19. What makes the NEOM Social Responsibility Awards unique?

A19. The awards are unique in their comprehensive recognition of individuals, sectors, and partners, and their alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. They celebrate collective efforts to create lasting social impact.

Q20. What is the future outlook for NEOM’s social responsibility efforts?

A20. NEOM will continue to expand its social responsibility programs, empowering communities and driving sustainable development. The awards will remain a key component in accelerating progress and enhancing quality of life.

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