WSSD Report FINAL! - OGP

CONTRIBUTING TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Technology cooperation and capacity building
out, make use of and develop, wherever possible,
local expertise.They train and educate the local
workforce and strive for the widest possible
employment from the host country.
The realization of mutual benefit is one of the
most important keys to success in technology
cooperation and capacity building. Successful
partnership is a ‘win-win’ process in which both
the overseas partner and the host nation can
reap substantial benefits. The overriding benefit
resulting from successful ventures is the achievement
of a sustainable balance encompassing
environmental protection, economic development
and social well-being.This includes:
● a fair return on capital to investing partners;
● increased economic prosperity for the host
country;
● a cleaner and safer environment;
● a better trained and educated workforce;
● development of local enterprises;
● a stable operating environment;
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South African Charter for black equity in industry
In November 2000, the oil and gas industry and the government of
South Africa signed a Charter for the economic empowerment of
historically disadvantaged South Africans in the industry. The Charter
provides for black equity participation in the industry (a target of 25 per
cent within 10 years has been agreed) and for the procurement by the
industry of a similar percentage of its goods and services from
previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The Charter also commits the
industry to the development of human resources and to the creation of
a culture supportive of empowerment. To ensure that this happens, the
companies undertook to appoint as managers people who understand
and support the spirit of the Charter.
cost-effective implementation of
environmental legislation;
an enhanced image of private industry, and
related long-term profitability; and
improved environmental management in
local enterprise.
Actions speaking louder than words
Case studies on technology cooperation and capacity building
Reaching out in Buenos Aires
In Argentina’s densely populated capital, BG Group is
spreading the benefits of its health and safety training
expertise. The company is doing this through the
gas distribution company MetroGAS, in which BG has
a substantial holding.
A major feature of this outreach programme
has been the construction of a dedicated centre—a
life-size ‘set’—in which emergency services can
practice fire fighting and other utilities can receive
training. In the year 2000 MetroGAS provided 6300
hours of technical safety training to employees of
28 different companies.
Safety is also taught to a broader audience of students
in courses that focus on the hazards, as well as
the benefits, of natural gas. MetroGAS teaches the
correct use, properties and associated risks of the fuel,
as well as stressing the safety measures to be considered
at home. The programme also introduces
students to a culture that encourages a heightened
awareness of accident prevention and environmental
care. In 2001, nearly 40,000 students participated in a
programme that involved visits to two schools a day
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