Man seeks to secure his livelihood through business ventures, which have evolved and diversified in form over time. Business is often described as being entirely detached from the Social Dimension, leading some to view it as an end in itself, rather than a means for societal well-being, progress, and development.
However, a profound understanding of economic movement and the concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—which represents the total of all paid commercial and service activities within a country—clearly reveals that business has a vital social dimension. When any individual initiates a commercial activity, they indirectly contribute to moving the gears of society. The funds injected into financing projects nourish various segments of society and contribute to their growth, ultimately benefiting the business owner indirectly as capital circulates within the Social Ecosystem.
Turning money into the ultimate goal of business strips life of its spirit and essence, placing humanity in the cycle of "Money Slavery." This leads to a decline in human values and leaves negative repercussions across all social strata. Hence, the need arises for the social dimension to be a primary objective of business activity; no commercial venture should be undertaken unless it is coupled with what benefits society and contributes to its elevation and renaissance.
From this perspective, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerges. Through social, developmental, and local initiatives, business owners strengthen their Brand Equity, consolidate the "Developmental Identity" of their companies in the minds of the public, and build trust within the market. The results derived from a social-oriented approach are more powerful and profound than those arising from pure financial pursuit. In the social direction, we give to receive, while in the financial direction, we take to give—and there is a vast difference between the two in the balance of values, before God and people alike.
Damascus, January 22, 2026
Eng. Ahmad Subhi Al-Lahham Chairman of the Board Al-Yusr for Urban Development
