January 3, 2005 | AME Info, United Arab Emirates

GN3 Editorial Comment: Tri-sector partnerships among government, business and civil society are a social innovation that holds great potential for many efforts that seek to build a more sustainable future. There is a danger, however, that one or more parties is pursuing a hidden agenda, but trust-building measures and performance indicators can create opportunities for authentic collaboration towards higher-level goals. In the article below, Shell Oil is building partnerships with local governments and civil society in the UAE under its concept of corporate social responsibility.

In an unprecedented move, representatives of UAE governments, major NGOs and energy giant Shell have agreed to work towards ways of creating tripartite partnerships in sustainable development initiatives.

An initial discussion brought together senior staff of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the UAE, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Emirates Diving Association and Dubai Police as well as representatives of the Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority and Shell.

The meeting reviewed the sustainable development and social responsibility activities undertaken by Shell in Dubai and the northern emirates over the past 12 months and the company's outline plan for 2005. This formed the basis for discussion of issues ranging from environmental conservation and road safety to diversity, Emiratization and the development of young entrepreneurs. The attending organisations endorsed Shell's call to continue the dialogue and put forward firm ideas for implementation on a tripartite basis, with the public and private sectors and NGOs partnering together.

Hussain Al-Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets Middle East, who chaired the discussion said: 'We believe it is essential to look at the effectiveness of our corporate social responsibility programmes in concert with organisations most closely involved with community activities.

'We were greatly encouraged by the receptiveness of the representatives attending the meeting towards undertaking co-operative community-oriented ventures with Shell. We certainly gained a useful insight into the strategy of these organisations and a clearer idea of the way forward.'

Hala Mouneimne, Programme Analyst with UNDP in Abu Dhabi, commented: 'UNDP is keen to encourage dialogue and facilitate partnership opportunities around corporate social responsibility that will contribute to the UAE's sustainable development.

'Shell's initiative in reaching out to bring together government, NGOs, international organisations and private sector partners is exemplary.'

Lt. Juma Bilal Al Suwaidi, Chief of External Affairs & Competitions Dept, Dubai Police, added: "I support Shell's initiative as it brings together various parties from the private and public sector, along with representatives of civil society. It encourages them to be partners in endeavors that contribute to the well-being of the country. All the parties invited to the discussion are effective members of society and I hope to see more of these exchanges."

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