The Hollings Center’s Responsible Business program explores the role of the private sector in advancing sustainable, ethical, and comprehensive development. The program emphasizes corporate responsibility, transparency, and innovation as key drivers for long-term success and regional stability.
Responsible Business Dialogue Initiative
The Hollings Center’s Responsible Business program examines how the private sector can play a constructive role in addressing social and economic challenges across regions, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the United States. The program brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives in dialogue-based meetings to discuss how principles of ethical governance, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility can be meaningfully integrated into business practices. Topics addressed include transparency and accountability, broad economic growth, local impact, entrepreneurship, and the evolving expectations placed on the private sector by communities and governments alike. By fostering open and cross-sectoral conversations, the program seeks to promote responsible business models that create shared value and long-term positive impact. Through these engagements, the Hollings Center encourages greater collaboration and understanding among stakeholders striving to align business strategies with broader community goals.
Responsible Business Dialogues: Snapshot Reports
The Efficacy of Economic Sanctions
What is the efficacy of economic sanctions? A recent dialogue program explores further.
Charting the New Media Landscape
The rise of new media has altered how we consume information and news throughout the world. Read our snapshot report on the new landscape in MENA.
Economic Diversification in the GCC
Some countries in the GCC face a harsh economic outlook due to unemployment, high debt levels, and strained financial markets. In addition they face climate change and mounting geopolitical and security concerns. A need exists for inter-GCC dialogue and coordination with international partners like the US and the European Union.
Social Integration through Entrepreneurship
The MENA region face great challenges of social integration and economic diversification. The region hosts an unprecedented number of refugees. And while there are many entrepreneurship and livelihood programs in the region, there is a need for sustainable economic solutions for these marginalized communities.
Responsible Business Dialogues: Videos
Strengthening Central Asia-Middle East Relations
Explore how Central Asia-Middle East relations foster growth through trade, innovation, and investment positioning Central Asia as a hub.
Central Asia & GCC: Cooperative Opportunities
Explore how Central Asia & GCC are shaping global dynamics through energy, food security, and economic corridors amid rising competition and collaboration.
Central Asia’s Path to Regional Cooperation
Explore Central Asia regional cooperation efforts, addressing challenges, fostering integration, and building global partnerships,.
Humanitarian Organizations and Sanctions Challenges
Explore the intricate challenges posed by sanctions on humanitarian work. Basma Alloush advocates ongoing dialogue for efficient operations.
Responsible Business Events & Other Projects
Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Portal
In order to expand mutual peace, prosperity and overcome barriers to trade Hollings Center for International Dialogue grantees from Pakistan and Afghanistan launched an Afghanistan-Pakistan
Corporate Social Responsibility in Islam Inaugural Conference
Can Islam be a motivation for corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Do Islamic corporations have a stronger morally obligation to act responsibly? Is CSR a product