Arab countries demonstrate strong support for ISO 26000

by Osama Elmeligy

In addition to publishing ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility, as an International Standard, Arab national standards bodies (NSBs) that are members of ISO are preparing to launch the official Arabic translation by January 2011.

The translation is being done by the Arabic Translation Task Force which was created within the ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility (ISO/WG SR) and has been responsible for the translation of ISO 26000 newsletters, brochures and drafts. It has been translating the standard in parallel to development of the latter, in order to gain approval of the Arabic edition from at least five Arab member countries of ISO.

The core subjects of social responsibility as defined by ISO 26000 have been translated into Arabic — organization, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement and development.

Since the 8^th plenary meeting of the ISO/WG SR held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 17-21 May 2010, there has been a notable focus on raising awareness and establishing regional SR networks.

In Copenhagen, Arab interest in SR was demonstrated by some 31 delegates, including seven women, from 11 Arab countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates – representing a region comprising 22 countries with a combined population of over 350 million people. Arab experts and observers were represented in all committee drafting, editing, and communication activities

There was a balanced representation of all stake holder groups from consumers, government, industry, labour, non-governmental organizations, national standards bodies, and service, support, research and others.

Concerns and challenges

The Copenhagen meeting was characterized by lively debate, mutual respect, compromise, and the willingness of all to move ISO 26000 forward to its final stage before publication. Delegates worked for many hours to reach an agreement on an acceptable phrasing of the Final Draft International Standard.

However, among concerns expressed by delegates from the Arab countries was the risk of ISO 26000 being used as a trade barrier, while issues relating to certification, discrimination and human rights were also raised.

Representatives of the Arab countries agreed to continue their involvement after publication of ISO 26000 and decided to establish an Arabic SR network to assess the future implementation of the International Standard, and report to Arabic NSBs and the ISO Central Secretariat on its adoption in the market place.

ISO 26000 SR values and principles encompassing human and labour rights, the environment, transparency and accountability, are inherent in the Arabic culture and traditions. Philanthropy and charity is common practice in the region. However, building on such pillars of society for the purpose of sustainability and responsibility is still a challenge.