Special to ag-IP-news Agency

 

AMMAN - Under the patronage of HE Dr. Talal Abu- Ghazaleh, former Vice Chair of the Global Compact, the Jordan Global Compact Network was launched in a special ceremony attended by representatives of the public and private sectors, ambassadors as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

 

In his keynote speech, HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh congratulated the launching of the Jordan Global Compact Network and recalled the establishment phases of the Compact in 2007 saying: “The Global Compact was the product of joint efforts where I participated as a founder to develop the corporate social responsibility at the United Nations. I had the honor to serve as the Vice Chair of the Global Compact during the tenure of both Mr. Kofi Anan and Mr. Ban Ki-moon”. 

 

He indicated that the Global Compact is the only institution led by the Secretary General in his capacity as a Chairman rather than as a Secretary General. He also made clear that the significance of the Compact lies in its ten basic principles that constitute a contract and an agreement between the member companies of the Global Compact and the United Nations. The only requirement for corporations and institutions is to comply with the Compact’s objectives and principles, and to annually report on its achievements towards fulfilling those principles, which aim at creating a better community. 

 

He added “In addition to the Jordan Network, we launched the Network in Egypt and Syria. Work is now underway to launch similar networks in Lebanon and the GCC states”. 

 

HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh commended the decision of HE Dr. Abdullah Nsour, the Jordanian Prime Minister, in establishing an advisory committee on corporate social responsibility. At the same time, he expressed appreciation of the role and initiatives of HE Mrs. Reem Abu Hassan, the Minister of Social Development, for recommending the formation of the committee that includes in its membership, besides Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), public and private entities. 

 

He stated that Talal Abu-Ghazaleh International Institute for Social Responsibility (TAGIISR) provides support to businesses as well as public and private entities in applying social responsibility, promoting awareness and serving as consulting experts for businesses as well as public and private entities. 

 

Mr. Mustafa Nasereddin, Chairman of Jordan Global Compact Network, delivered a speech welcoming all attendees and expressed appreciation for the support and sponsorship of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh. He also indicated the establishment phases of the Network which led to its launching. He said “what have been achieved today is just the beginning”, calling upon businesses, institutions and civil society organizations to join the Jordan Network and eventually the Global Compact, which will allow prospects of progression and shifting towards globalization.  The only requirement from such businesses is to annually report on their achievements towards fulfilling the Global Compact principles. 

 

Mr. Walid Naji, Head of the Local Networks Unit at the Global Compact, pointed out the existence of more than 80 local networks worldwide affiliated to the Compact. The role of those networks is to spread awareness, introduce the Global Compact’s ten principles and customize them to each country’s local environment, economic situation and social conditions. 

 

HE Mr. Paul Bandeen Eichel, the Dutch Ambassador, delivered a statement where he tackled the role of Dutch government in supporting social responsibility initiatives, including a workshop organized in 2013 with the participation of TAG-Org and Amman Chamber of Commerce. 

 

HE Mr. Issa Murad, Head of Jordan Chamber of Commerce, appreciated the role of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh in supporting and sponsoring many initiatives of corporate social responsibility. He also indicated the Chamber’s willingness to provide all necessary logistics, including hosting Jordan Network headquarters at the Chamber’s premises, and contribute to spreading the Network’s mission and objectives among the Chamber members in order to urge them to join the Network and comply with its objectives and principles.  

     

During the ceremony, a number of working papers were presented: 

• Initiatives and Sustainability of Corporate Social Responsibility in Jordan; by Eng. Ra’of Al Dabbas, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Social Development.

• Mrs. Alexandra Tarazi, In charge of the Relationships between the Global Compact and Local Networks in the MENA Region, introduced the mission and objectives of the Global Compact, the methods of participation therein and the requirements of annual reporting for member companies. 

• UN Global Compact success stories from Aramex presented by Mr. Rami Hattar, and from Nuqul Group presented by Mr. Tariq Abu- Ghazaleh. 

A memorandum of understanding was also signed during the ceremony between Jordan Global Compact Network, represented by its Chairman Mr. Mustafa Nasereddin, and the Local Networks Unit at the Global Compact, represented by the Head of the Unit Mr. Walid Naji.