International corporate social responsibility experts scheduled to speak at Dubai summit

The ground-breaking First International Corporate Social Responsibility Summit, led by the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) and Shell, will feature presentations by international and regional business leaders, government officials and NGOs and discussions on best practices in CSR.

UK Public Affairs Campaign Consultant, Simon Bryceson, will open the Summit alongside keynote speaker Salem bin Dasmal, Deputy Director General of DDIA.

Salem Bin Dasmal said: "This outstanding panel of speakers will help guide us on how to make valuable and lasting contributions to society through support of health, environmental and educational activities. They will tackle the issues of business regulation in the Middle East; of building the skills necessary to achieve CSR goals; and of the increasing pressure on corporations to account for their environmental and social performance."

The Summit will cover the responsibilities and imperatives of corporate citizenship, promote understanding of the market opportunities created by sound CSR practice and demonstrate how effective CSR communication contributes for positive brand image.

Speakers, amongst whom are CSR specialists from a number of global multinationals including British American Tobacco, Cisco Systems and Shell, will examine international CSR practices by commercial organizations and suggest ways of developing the practice further in the region.

Other topics on the Summit agenda range from the effects of CSR on shareholder value, CSR guidelines and standards, global principles and local implementation. Participants will also have a chance to take part in a workshop aimed at helping them develop a CSR strategy and framework for their own organizations.

"CSR is fast becoming a normal part of a company's activities," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets Middle East. "Shell is delighted to be driving this initiative forward together with Dubai Development and Investment Authority, and we believe it will form a basis for discussion on the topic in this part of the world."

The creation of the Summit, held under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister, underlines Shell's focus on sustainable development which is about meeting present needs without compromising future prospects. The company supports a range of social and environmental activities in the UAE and is held as a prime example of corporate social responsibility worldwide.