Doha, April 18 (QNA) - International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Qatar) successfully concluded its high-level two-day webinar titled "Navigating the Geopolitical Crisis: Legal, Governance, ESG Compliance and Risk Priorities for Qatar's Private Sector," which brought together more than 200 participants from across the business and professional community.

The webinar brought together a distinguished group of participants representing banks, law firms, embassies, real estate and construction companies, consulting firms, as well as legal and governance experts, senior executives, board members, and risk professionals.

The webinar commenced with opening remarks delivered by HE Secretary-General of ICC Qatar Sheikha Tamader Al-Thani, declaring: "We are pleased to convene this timely discussion as the region continues to experience significant geopolitical developments. These evolving dynamics present a range of challenges for the private sector, particularly in navigating legal complexities, regulatory expectations, ESG considerations, and operational risks."

She added: "The evolving geopolitical environment requires businesses to review contracts, legal exposure, and cross-border obligations, while ensuring strong compliance, governance, and risk management frameworks. In times of uncertainty, ESG responsibilities and business continuity planning become even more critical to maintaining stability and resilience."

Discussions addressed the legal, regulatory, and operational challenges currently facing businesses in Qatar and the wider Gulf region.

Throughout the event, Founder and Chairperson of Mashael Al Sulaiti Law Firm Mashael Al Sulaiti, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICELIS Global Elena Athwal, highlighted the critical need for businesses to review contractual clauses, particularly force majeure and material adverse change provisions, to clearly understand their legal position and available remedies.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening board oversight, ensuring compliance, and maintaining transparency in disclosure practices.

"We gave businesses a clear framework for action identifying the applicable laws, understanding the obligations that arise, and taking immediate steps to protect their position. At board level, this means moving from passive awareness to active oversight; risks must be identified, challenged, documented and managed within a disciplined governance framework," stated Mashael Al Sulaiti.

Speakers emphasized the importance of proactive risk assessment, robust contractual review, ESG considerations, and strengthened internal governance frameworks to ensure resilience and compliance during periods of uncertainty.

They also provided insights into key disruptions affecting the business landscape, including global trade and supply chain challenges, heightened counterparty and sovereign risks, contractual uncertainties, and evolving regulatory expectations.

"ESG during a crisis is not a reporting exercise. It is evidence preservation for legal remedies,” said Elena Athwal.

Furthermore, the speakers underscored the necessity of closely monitoring regulatory developments and maintaining open communication with supervisory authorities.

They also emphasized the importance of reassessing insurance coverage and addressing potential gaps, particularly in high-risk or conflict-affected jurisdictions. (QNA)