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| Manuel Commends Sustainable Development Showcase | |
04 July 2005
Too often vilified for exploiting areas of oil and gas production without investing in the community, the petroleum industry is leading in support of community engagement. South Africa's Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, today commended these businesses for their participation in a showcase of sustainable development initiatives. The SustainabilityShowcase, to be implemented at the World Petroleum Congress in September 2005, was launched at the NEPAD/AU/UN event, Bending the Arc: The Business of Attaining the Millennium Development Goals, in London’s Guildhall on 4 July 2005.In the framework of NEPAD’s objective to eradicate poverty and place Africa on a path to sustainable development and prosperity, the SustainabilityShowcase will move the agenda forward for greater collaboration between corporations, governments and communities. In the light of increased demand for oil, high oil prices, and more discoveries in West Africa, projects illustrating concrete actions as an outworking of good governance will demonstrate the benefits that the petroleum industry can bring to a country. Simultaneously, open discussions between communities and corporations will further develop and deepen those benefits. Transparency International (UK)’s vice chairman, David Murray, will also be present at the launch of the Showcase. A spokesperson said, "We look forward to working with all parties to see practical steps implemented towards improving the voluntary framework to enhance transparency of revenues in the petroleum sector." "I have often said that economic growth is impossible without an active, capable and well-governed state and private sector, just as poverty reduction is impossible without growth that benefits more than a tiny elite," commented Hon Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance, South Africa. "I am delighted to support this good governance initiative in line with NEPAD’s priorities. It is encouraging to see the African petroleum sector demonstrating leadership to the world in its commitment to community engagement and sustainable development at the World Petroleum Congress in South Africa." Responding to calls by Western and African commentators for corruption to be tackled, the SustainabilityShowcase online archive will allow major players in the industry to exhibit their work towards implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and other good governance initiatives. The studio at the Congress will give the opportunity for more detailed interviews as well as roundtable discussions where civil society and government representatives will contribute their essential input. James Laing, africapractice, +44 20 7462 7726 |
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