ameinfo.com: Shell announces support for 3rd Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit

United Arab Emirates: Saturday, September 09 – 2006

Shell has announced its sponsorship of the third Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit, a regional initiative it launched three years ago to demonstrate its commitment to Sustainable Development of the communities within which it operates.

The meet will gather world reputed speakers from the ranks of international policy makers, corporate leaders and business heads to explore the relevance, adoption and future of CSR in the region, at Dubai’s J W Marriott Hotel from September 17 to 20.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Head of External Affairs and HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) at Shell Middle East and member of the Summit Advisory Committee said:
‘More than half of the top 250 companies today produce reports on environmental, social or ethical performance while an increasing number of publicly listed organisations are keen on acquiring Sustainability Indexes. Consumer preference for products and organisations associated with a social or environmental benefit has shown a marked growth in recent years. In such a scenario, dialogue and debate are essential for evolving innovative and effective approaches in thought and action that will enable businesses to pursue profits and be socially responsible at the same time,’

‘Shell is committed to incorporate elements of sustainable development into the strategic planning and daily conduct of the business of not only its group companies but also to propagate the urgent need for adopting Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives across the business world. Our association with the third Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit furthers our objectives of contributing to the development of tools and processes that will open up new commercial opportunities for businesses committed to helping create a sustainable future for the generations that follow,’ he added.

Featuring 35 speakers, 16 working sessions and two post-summit workshops, the four-day annual event will address emerging issues and dilemmas pertaining to the integration of CSR into business strategies as a means of increasing value on investment; the effect of CSR on employee retention; rules and regulations affecting CSR globally; identifying differences between CSR and ‘feel-good’ PR; designing and implementing a CSR strategy and CSR reporting.

One of the earliest proponents of CSR, Shell has allocated a substantial budget for supporting social causes around the world that promote CSR policies based on the core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people, support for human rights and compliance with the law. Shell’s CSR policy aims to balance the corporations’ need to make a profit and reward its shareholders adequately, with broader social concerns by involving communities in its operational and development plans.

‘The last few decades have seen a radical change in the relationship between business and society. Key drivers of this change have been the globalisation of trade, the increased size and influence of companies, the repositioning of government and the rise in strategic importance of stakeholder relationships, and brand reputation. The relationship between companies and civil society organisations has moved on from paternalistic philanthropy to a re-examination of the roles, rights and responsibilities of business in society. CSR defined in terms of the responsiveness of businesses to stakeholders’ legal, ethical, social and environmental expectations, is one outcome of these developments,’ pointed out Al Mahmoudi.

Fulfilling the objectives of its CSR programme, Shell has launched the Shell Better Environment Award; the women’s empowerment initiative, Emirates Businesswomen Award; the Shell Professional Women’s Network for the personal and professional development of women in Dubai; the Intilaaqah programme for promoting entrepreneurship among local youth; and the environmental education programme Enviro-Spellathon. Shell has similarly sponsored the Counselling Arabia Conference and the annual Careers UAE Exhibition.

Organised by the event management company, IIR Middle East in association with Shell, the prestigious event is endorsed by the United Nations Development Programme.

Related Information:
About Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 145 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power.

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Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
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This story was posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News Editor
Saturday, September 09 – 2006 at 15:20 UAE local time (GMT+4)

Print Date: Saturday, September 09 – 2006 – 19:03:18 GMT+4

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