Special to ag-IP-news Agency
AMMAN - The Corporate Social Responsibility Handbook was launched in a special ceremony at Amman Chamber of Commerce. The Handbook is the outcome of joint effort and collaboration between Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), Amman Chamber of Commerce, and the Dutch Embassy in Jordan.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of HE Ms. Reem Abu Hassan, Minister of Social Development, in the presence of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of TAG-Org, President of Amman Chamber of Commerce, the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Board members of the Chamber, a host of businessmen, and civil society leaders.
In her speech, HE Abu Hassan pointed out that she highly values this initiative which is translated practically on the ground in the form of a documented moral and practical obligation. Documentation of such comes in view to serving as a respective pledge from all businesses and businessmen.
The Minister admired the content of the CSR Handbook, including statements on the benefits and aspirations that contribute to a better understanding of the positive contribution made by businesses and institutions towards a more equitable community. The Minister also expressed recognition to the Dutch Embassy, TAG-Org, and the Amman Chamber of Commerce for their support, commitment, and efforts to implement the initiative.
Mr. Issa Murad, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, clarified in his speech that promoting the application of CSR concepts has become one of the international standards for the classification of business and economic activities of companies. He also stressed the important role of social responsibility as a key factor in the sustainable development process.
Mr. Murad stated that Amman Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to pursuing a new approach based on unifying efforts of the private sector’s businesses and institutions in order to broaden the base of application of areas of social responsibility.
He also pointed out that the Handbook includes a definition of social responsibility so as businesses, in the course of their operations, can take into account the impact these operations have on the community, maintaining the environment and business sustainability.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized that CSR should be viewed as an ethical framework.
He also said that it is the corporate’s duty and responsibility to be philanthropic, and activities that reflect the private sector’s sense of CSR are one form of good citizenship. Businesses can be a "good citizen" through giving back to the community, and promoting social good, regardless of whether they will financially reap the fruits of what they spiritually planted.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh called upon the Chamber of Commerce to establish the community service unit dedicated for this purpose. This event may be the beginning of solving Jordan’s economic challenge. "We, ourselves, should acknowledge the responsibility, bear part of it as a private sector before the government, and perform our duty to provide support as partners serving our home country," he added.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also pointed out that TAG-Org has made a self-commitment to assume what is beyond mere profits and made its mission "To provide high-quality services, capacity building and contribute to the social and economic development of the Arab world".
"TAG-Org is one of the participants in the UN Compact on Corporate Social Responsibility, which is an initiative of significant relevance at the global level," he added. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also stated that he had the honor of assuming the post of First Deputy of its Chairman the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and that he encourages all to participate in it.
HE Mr. Paul van den IJssel, the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, delivered a speech where he stated that the Dutch government is interested in social responsibility because of the positive impact it has on community and economy.
The Embassy, in cooperation with TAG-Org and Amman Chamber of Commerce, organized two workshops in 2012 and 2013, where Jordanian companies were invited to participate and discuss social responsibility. "Because of these two workshops, we were able to communicate and accomplish this Handbook. He then thanked the partners in this effort, which is a good example that reflects cooperation between the Netherlands and Jordan."
Meanwhile, Mr. Mustafa Nasserdein, Vice President of the Association of Jordan Network of the Global Compact, announced the finalization of the Association registration as per the recommendations of establishing national and regional branches around the world, which were entrusted for implementation to HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh in his capacity as vice chair of the Compact. He also proposed that the Amman Chamber of Commerce will host the Association to contribute to the creation of a socio-economic future to serve Jordanian society and national economy.
Attendees appreciated this creative initiative and a number of businessmen and civil society leaders made interventions and presented ideas and suggestions that had enriched discussion on the CSR topic.