Founder of International Youth Foundation to address Middle East's first Corporate Social Responsibility Summit

The Summit is being led by Shell and Dubai Development and Investment Authority.

"CSR in the Middle East is deeply rooted in Islamic teaching. The relationship between enterprise, the community and the individual is ingrained. For example, CSR's core values are fully consistent with the values and traditions of Islamic banking," said Rick Little, whose commitment to addressing the needs of children spans 60 countries.

He added: "With such a strong foundation, the opportunities for local companies in the region are endless, while the Western world can also benefit from these traditions and teachings. More and more companies, both local and global brands, are seeking to understand how CSR can become a relevant part of their business."

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager of Shell Markets Middle East said: "CSR is at the core of Shell's business principles. We see it as the integration of three dimensions - economic, environmental and social - in our day-to-day activities that guide us towards achieving a balance between providing competitive returns to shareholders, meeting the energy needs of our customers, protecting the environment and bringing prosperity to communities where we operate.

"Rick is a fascinating speaker, and his role, along with other CSR experts at the Summit will be instrumental in creating an understanding of CSR in the region, and how to best align best practices with a company's core business," added Al Mahmoudi.

With over 60% of the population in the Middle East under the age of 25, young people have a significant stake in the future as well as the present. Such eye-opening statistics have encouraged Little to co-author a book with Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, aimed at young people aged 14 to 25. The book will educate youth on how to make positive changes in their own lives, communities and countries, while offering hope, inspiration and practical ideas.

"In the Middle East, CSR is currently driven by global brands operating out of the region. However with increasing interest among governments and political leaders, alongside global and local awareness initiatives such as this Summit, I am confident that local companies will soon start to adopt CSR in their business strategies," added Little.

In addition to Little's founding role in the International Youth Foundation, he is CEO and President of ImagineNations Group, a global initiative he created last year to mobilise media, financial institutions, governments, NGOs and companies to improve the lives of young people.

Hosted under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, the Summit underlines Shell's focus on sustainable development to help raise living standards worldwide. In addition to Little's presentations, a number of international and regional business leaders, government officials, and NGOs will also address the forum, and discuss CSR best practices.