Turning theory into practice (page 2 of 2)

As well as looking inwards at our own behaviour, we also need to look outwards to learn and share our knowledge and expertise.

Big business has the power to effect much greater changes, as demonstrated in Enterprise Solutions to Poverty, a new report published by the Shell Foundation.

Using a series of case studies in Africa and India, it explains how multinationals operating in developing countries can apply non-financial assets - such as their convening power, networks and inherent business savvy - to the problems of poverty. It argues that the core competencies of multinationals are untapped resources in the fight against poverty and therefore calls for public-private partnerships to be recast along business lines.

There is certainly much food for thought here. But every journey starts with one step and the first step is to put your own house in order. This is no simple task and embedding sustainable development in your organisation will always be an experiment in trial and error. It will probably take another generation before it becomes an accepted and intrinsic part of the business culture.

Nevertheless, we have come a long way and events such as this offer a great deal of hope for the future and for our businesses, our stakeholders and the societies we serve.

Excerpt from an adress by Mike Grieve, Regional Support Director, Shell Exploration and Production, Middle East, Russia & CIS at the 2nd Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit