SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY


Social responsibility, once viewed as a do-good slide in corporate presentations, is now mainstream. For many it has become a business imperative that builds and sustains an ongoing social license to operate.

The 19th World Petroleum Congress, "A world in transition: delivering energy for a sustainable growth" is the largest global event about people, energy needs for a better life, and the challenge the oil industry faces to deliver it in a sustainable and environmentally compatible manner.

The Social Responsibility Global Village

From June 30th to July 3rd, 2008, the Spanish Organizing Committee will host a Social Responsibility (SR) "Global Village" at the 19th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) exhibition in Madrid.

The SR "Global Village", located in the Global Business Opportunities Center (GBOC), will showcase the oil and gas industry's commitment to social, community and environmental initiatives worldwide. Presented by social responsibility partners of the petroleum industry, this interactive exhibit is aimed at increasing awareness of key initiatives and will highlight projects developed jointly between NGOs/community and the petroleum industry that advance sustainability, human rights, and cooperation, to the benefit of society.

Twelve multi-media stands will ring a central gathering area where fair trade refreshments will be available to delegates and visitors at no cost. In one corner of the Global Village will be a "speaker’s corner" where the partnership projects and topics will be explored in greater detail by way of presentations throughout the Congress. This will undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity to learn first hand from distinguished guests, NGOs, community and industry partners. A detailed agenda of daily presentations and speakers will be available at the Global Village and published in the Congress daily newspaper.

One of several featured topics in the Global Village showcase is around the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 2008. The “Every Human Has Rights” campaign (www.everyhumanhasrights.org) is looking to build awareness on a global level uniting us as one human family, and one global village. In the centre of the campaign is the hope that 2008 can be the year that individuals, not just governments, sign the UDHR for themselves.

Designing the Global Village created new challenges as it took into consideration its own sustainability. The SR committee looked to the designers to use materials that are earth friendly, rented, reusable or recyclable. Many of the materials used in the Global Village are being designed for use after the Congress and will be donated to charities, schools and other institutions.

Special Session on Social Responsibility

"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something"

The 19th WPC programme will include a special two hour session on July 1st, 2008 dedicated to issues dealing with social responsibility, specifically human rights, societal expectations and stakeholder engagement. The theme for this special session coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and will feature a panel of distinguished global experts representing the NGO community, academia, government, special interests groups, and the oil and gas industry. In this moderated session you will hear from leading experts how healthy relationships and proactive planning can make a difference and reduce risk ultimately saving you time and resources.

This session will seek to raise the awareness of human rights in both a local and international context; provide greater insight into the role of government and the United Nations; and communicate the business case for sustainable and socially responsible solutions.

For more information on the Special Session Programme or the Global Village, please contact us at: sr@19wpc.com

The Social Responsibility Luncheon

With up to 1,000 people attending the Social Responsibility luncheon on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008, Mr. Georg Kell, Executive Head of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) will discuss issues related to the growing social demands and expectations that impact the oil and gas industry.

"While the purposes of the United Nations and business differ widely - the UN focuses on peace, poverty reduction and the protection of human rights, and business on profit and growth – our objectives increasingly overlap.

Building sustainable markets, combating corruption, safeguarding the environment and contributing to peaceful societies is increasingly important for the long-term value of business. Potential risks are especially high for companies in the oil and gas sector, as many are increasingly under pressure to find production opportunities in weak states with poor records regarding financial transparency, human rights and environmental protection. The United Nations Global Compact, as the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative with more than 3,900 business participants in 120 countries, offers companies a number of opportunities to pursue these objectives". Mr. Georg Kell, Executive Head of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

The WPC Excellence Awards (WPCEA)

The objective of the WPC Excellence Awards (WPCEA) is to distinguish companies, institutions or any public or private organisation (not individuals) engaged in the oil and gas industry for promoting or operating with high excellence standards in two categories:

The following criteria are taken into consideration when assessing the project submissions:

WPCEA on Technological Developments
• Technological breakthroughs.
• Innovative applications of existing technologies.
• Cost effectiveness.
• Wide applicability for the petroleum industry.
• Proved or clearly demonstrable and sustainable results (long term).

WPCEA on Social Responsibility
>• Innovative and far-reaching health, safety & environment programmes.
• Commitment and involvement of management and employees.
• Development of mutually beneficial relations with communities.
• Feasibility.
• Wide applicability and reproducibility for the petroleum industry.
• Proved or clearly demonstrable long-term results.

The judges are independent of the WPC and there are two winners in each category (representing large and small business). In addition, two highly commended awards are given within each category.

Some of the winners of the previous Excellence Awards. South Africa, 2005.

Nominations for the WPC Excellence Award’s closed on February 29th, 2008. The Awards will be presented at the WPC Excellence Awards luncheon on Monday June 30th, 2008.

Related Technical Programme on Social Responsibility issues

Forums

F9 - Latest advances and novel processes for deep desulphurization.
F14 - State of the art on renewable (wind & solar) sources of energy.
F15 - Recent developments in bio-fuels.
F16 - Natural gas as a transportation Fuel.
F19 - Best practices in sustainability reporting.
F21 - HSE key issues for the oil and gas industry –IPIECA.
F24 - Carbon Capture and storage–political, technological and economical constraints.

Best practice industry keynotes

BP7 - Role of renewables in the supply mix.
BP11 - Transparency & openness

Round tables

RT5 - Biofuels and oil products: competition vs. integration.
RT7 - Hydrogen: energy for the future or not?.
RT10 - Environmental footprint of the industry.
RT11 - Perspectives for the Kyoto protocol – what's next?