Founder
of International Youth Foundation to address Middle East’s
first Corporate Social Responsibility Summit
Posted: 29 March 2004
“CSR in the region is deeply rooted in Islamic teaching”
Rick Little
Rick Little, renowned Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guru,
and founder of the International Youth Foundation, is set to address
the first Middle East CSR Summit in Dubai next month (April 25 to
27, 2004).
The Summit is being led by Shell and Dubai Development and Investment
Authority.
“CSR in the Middle East is deeply rooted in Islamic teaching.
The relationship between enterprise, the community and the individual
is ingrained. For example, CSR’s core values are fully consistent
with the values and traditions of Islamic banking,” said Rick
Little, whose commitment to addressing the needs of children spans
60 countries.
He added: “With such a strong foundation, the opportunities
for local companies in the region are endless, while the Western
world can also benefit from these traditions and teachings. More
and more companies, both local and global brands, are seeking to
understand how CSR can become a relevant part of their business.”
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager of Shell Markets
Middle East said: “CSR is at the core of Shell’s business
principles. We see it as the integration of three dimensions –
economic, environmental and social – in our day-to-day activities
that guide us towards achieving a balance between providing competitive
returns to shareholders, meeting the energy needs of our customers,
protecting the environment and bringing prosperity to communities
where we operate.
“Rick is a fascinating speaker, and his role, along with
other CSR experts at the Summit will be instrumental in creating
an understanding of CSR in the region, and how to best align best
practices with a company’s core business,” added Al
Mahmoudi.
With over 60% of the population in the Middle East under the age
of 25, young people have a significant stake in the future as well
as the present. Such eye-opening statistics have encouraged Little
to co-author a book with Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, aimed
at young people aged 14 to 25. The book will educate youth on how
to make positive changes in their own lives, communities and countries,
while offering hope, inspiration and practical ideas.
“In the Middle East, CSR is currently driven by global brands
operating out of the region. However with increasing interest among
governments and political leaders, alongside global and local awareness
initiatives such as this Summit, I am confident that local companies
will soon start to adopt CSR in their business strategies,”
added Little.
In addition to Little’s founding role in the International
Youth Foundation, he is CEO and President of ImagineNations Group,
a global initiative he created last year to mobilise media, financial
institutions, governments, NGOs and companies to improve the lives
of young people.
Hosted under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, the
Summit underlines Shell’s focus on sustainable development
to help raise living standards worldwide. In addition to Little’s
presentations, a number of international and regional business leaders,
government officials, and NGOs will also address the forum, and
discuss CSR best practices.
For more information see www.shell.com
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
Information supplied by companies
or PR agencies who are responsible for content. Send press releases
to info@pipelinedubai.com |
