| WPC and Global Compact
Joint WPC and UN Global Compact Forum in Malaysia — 28 & 29 March 2007
The World Petroleum Council recently invited its members to participate in an Asian workshop with the UN Global Compact on Responsible Business Practices in the Oil & Gas Sector - Implementing the Global Compact Principles
Over thirty representatives from 18 state-owned and private oil and gas companies from across Asia gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 28-29 March, to share practical experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in implementing key standards such as the Global Compact principles in their business operations. The workshop was jointly convened by the UN Global Compact and the World Petroleum Council and was hosted by Petronas.
During practical case studies and presentations, participants recognized the common challenges faced by all oil and gas producers in the region and stressed the relevance of responsible business practices in each of the areas covered by the UNGC principles. Local and international operators openly shared their experiences in implementing key business principles, particularly in the areas of human rights and labour issues, environmental policies and practices, anti-corruption initiatives and community development programmes.
Key outcomes: The participants agreed that the UN Global Compact provided a helpful framework for improving social and environmental performance. There was consensus that companies require a value based commitment from the top down and extending through all levels of the organisation. Being a leading company involves listening to stakeholder concerns, ensuring strong community involvement, not shying away from critics and being prepared to share information about the challenges faced.
Several of the attending organizations expressed an interest in joining the WPC family and follow up visits have already been arranged with Malaysia and Singapore.
Petronas was an excellent host to the proceedings and participated actively with a number of presentations on practical applications of the highest business standards in their operations throughout the region. To appreciate the full diversity of Malaysia’s environment, the participants of the Forum were taken for an unusual dining experience in the spectacular surroundings of a restaurant seemingly located in the middle of a jungle yet close to KL’s city lights.
This Forum was the second in a series of workshops organized by the UN Global Compact for the oil and gas sector around the world. The Petrofed representatives from the Indian National Committee of the World Petroleum Council closed the meeting with an invitation to come to New Delhi on 6-7 December 2007 for a follow-up workshop of the WPC and UN Global Compact on Responsible Business Practices in the Oil & Gas Sector.
The next Meeting will be in India - 6 - 7th December 2007
for further information please contact :
ungc@world-petroleum.org
For draft Draft Indian Programme
please click here
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