Approximately 50 representatives from different corporate and academic institutions based in Saudi Arabia and Norway, attended the event.
After the opening of the seminar, in which Ambassador Jan Bugge-Mahrt outlined the core message of the White Paper, presentations regarding their respective institution’s idea of managing and implementing CSR were made by representatives from SAGIA, the Norwegian Confederation of Business and Industry (NHO), Jotun, Saudi Aramco, Elopak, NCB, Det Norske Veritas and Abdullatif Jameel.
Emphasis was put on employment of women and their potential as a competent and resourceful work force, ethics at the workplace, environmental considerations, combating corruption and contributions to society. Vidar Lindefjeld from NHO convincingly conveyed the message entrenched in the White Paper, that CSR is indeed compatible with companies’ profit, and could even enhance profit on its own.
The Embassy was especially pleased to see the number of participating female guests, many of which actively engaged in the question round following the presentations, providing the basis for an interesting dialogue. Some challenged environmental policies, questioning companies' efforts on recycling, public transport and sustainable energy. Others contested the commitment to practical measures regarding employment of women, and whether implementation of CSR is hindered by, or compatible with, a financial recession.
Despite the otherwise different nature and structure of the Norwegian and Saudi society, the event generated a fruitful dialogue, with a seemingly common goal of advancing corporate policies on CSR. Moreover, there was a general interest for a continuation of discourse through similar forums in the future.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy would like to thank all contributors and attendees for making this an informative and interesting seminar, and feels encouraged to initiate further events to develop the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and promote its inclusion within long-term corporate policies.
For more information about the event, please see Tamkeen’s website;
http://www.tamkeenconsult.com/tamkeen-events.php?lang=EN
‘Not whether, but how.’ – John Ruggie on the implementation of CSR
*John Ruggie is a leading CSR advocate, professor of International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School and Special Representative to the UN Secretary General on business and human Rights.