Rather it is a desire for openness, consistency and broader acceptance of diversity as a powerful and manageable force which major energy companies such as Shell can work hard to play their part in getting right. We believe there has been progress, but there is more to come there has to be concrete demonstration of development that is sustainable, economic, social, and environmental, balancing long and short term priorities. In that sense, because we too are concerned at the requirement to address those in poverty who are currently excluded from the benefits that many of us share in the global economy, we share the objectives of the recent demonstrators in Seattle, Davos and Prague. Only with that will there be acceptance and trust that real actions will follow.
Business has to accept that it has to demonstrate that it can deliver responsibly.
It requires a dialogue that draws on the skills and perspectives of all parties, including government and supra-national organisations, as well as major corporations and indeed NGOs. There has to be active involvement, with no one able to sit on the sidelines and simply watch and judge. The Shell Group is committed to that. That is why we were among the nearly fifty international companies which this year joined with associations, labour representatives, and NGOs to sign the UN Global Compact. The Compact offers a new and important forum to engage in dialogue with others to develop and promote the principles of human rights, labour standards and respect for the environment.