Corporate Social Responsibility
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) has been developing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy for the oil, gas and minerals sector to coordinate the social investment efforts by the operating companies, emphasizing on the importance of sustainability and community services. A team, with representatives from MEM and the oil and gas operators, has been developing the general framework and studying the proposals and themes submitted by the different authorities and stakeholders. The process helps in identifying and selecting projects that enhance sustainability and social responsibility as well as ensuring that such projects meets the actual needs of the society, as well as being within the agreed focus areas which are:
- Education and Training for Employment
- SMEs Development and Entrepreneurship
- Renewable Energy and Energy Management
- Research and Development
In this regard, The Ministry has signed two agreements to support the training and employment of Omanis, one of the top of the priorities that the sector aims to support. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Occidental Oman, BP Oman, OQ, Daleel Petroleum and CC Energy Development have funded the two projects, which are:
Outward Bound Oman Center in Al Jabal Al Akhdar
The Outward Bound Oman Center in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar is an important project aims to create an interactive environment that attracts young people, with a unique opportunity to learn, train and gain practical experience. The Center provides youths with a series of educational courses and programs with a number of challenges aiming to develop their skills, competencies, experience and enhance their productivity either at home, school or at work. This project, with a cost of two-million Omani Rials, is managed by Occidental Oman on behalf of the six contributing companies to ensure delivery of the project in time and as per plan.
Building vocational workshops for people with special needs
The project aims to enhance the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development to integrate people with special needs in the society helping them to be active members and participate in the development of the Omani economy by providing them with employment opportunities that fit their personal capabilities and skills. The project includes the establishment of four vocational workshops for people with special needs, aged 18 and above, in Al-Wafa Centers in Al-Rustaq, Nizwa, Al-Mudhaibi and Salalah.
The total investment in this project is RO 500,000 (RO 125,000 for each center). Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) manages and supervises the implementation of the project on behalf of the six contributing companies.
Highlights of CSR in some Oil and Gas companies
The oil and gas companies’ efforts have continued towards effective CSR contribution through a number of projects and initiatives that cover a wide geographical area and target a large number of direct beneficiaries in the community. The projects focus on areas of priority for these communities such as education, health, youth, sports, rehabilitation of people with special needs in addition to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship. The following graph show the major oil & gas companies’ efforts in 2019:
