With societies recognizing the potential contributions of business in addressing various social and environmental challenges, such responsibilities are beginning to shift towards the private sector. Subsequently, the concept of CSR is increasingly featuring on the agenda of corporations worldwide.
Launched earlier this year, the Islamic Reporting Initiative (IRI), a not-for-profit organization headquartered in the UAE, is aiming to create an integrated reporting standard for CSR based on Islamic business principles. It will enable companies across sectors to inclusively assess and report on their CSR programs, facilitating progression towards responsible practice.
The IRI, in its aim of supporting organizations in realizing their CSR ambitions, is unique in its approach; the IRI seeks to tap into the expertise of those with an understanding of local organizational culture as a means of making CSR reporting as relevant and meaningful as possible.
Speaking with Drs Daan Elffers, founder of the IRI, the rationale behind this approach is clear; âwe have developed the IRI in response to much research confirming that companies are finding the current, broad tools for CSR application to not always be as relevant or practical in a local context. We believe that a solution can be found in a reporting framework that engages with the nuances of the local culture, while working towards international standards of responsible practiceâ.Dr Sied Sadek, Managing Director of DQS CFS and DQS Middle East, international sustainability auditors and corporate partner of the IRI, on the need for a culturally-relevant reporting framework, says; âInternational standards are sometimes thought to be universal but they seldom are. While important, they are based upon international experience but that does not mean they can completely replace local values. I think that many companies in Islamic countries are caught between international standards and expectations on the one hand, and Islamic business principles and culture on the other hand. In this sense, the IRI can be a much needed initiative to enhance communication between cultures [and] contribute to an appreciation for diversity [of culture].â
Islamic principles serve to imbue individuals and organizations with a responsibility to care for society, and such principles infiltrate society through various practices and perspectives. CSR reports are created to enable CSR program development and to open dialogue with stakeholders, which may include consumers and employees, the government and the general public. As such, it is imperative that the motivations for CSR are framed within the local context, and that the language used is familiar, meaningful and therefore relatable.
The IRI has recently surpassed the milestone of gaining strategic partners from over 20 countries across the MENA region, Asia and Europe, with members representing governmental, corporate and non-profit organizations across sectors including health, finance and environment.
The IRI was founded as a CSR initiative of Drs Daan Elffers, CEO of EMG Group, a CSR Consultancy, where HH Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje-Nassau is Chairman of the Advisory Board.
For more information on the IRI, please visit www.islamicreporting.org
ICC President Judge Silvia FernĂĄndez de Gurmendi participating in the 10th Bled Strategic Forum on Tuesday, 1 September 2015.
The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Silvia FernĂĄndez de Gurmendi, participated on Tuesday, 1 September 2015, in the 10th Bled Strategic Forum, an annual high-level platform for dialogue among leaders from public and private sectors, organised jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective.
Speaking in a panel on the strengthening of the fight against impunity through partnerships, the ICC President stated that the strength of the ICC lies in its unique mandate which gives it the power to investigate and prosecute the most serious international crimes in situations when justice is otherwise impossible to achieve.
For the Court to be able to deliver effectively on this mandate, full cooperation and consistent political support of States is needed, as well as improvements to the Courtâs efficiency, which is a top priority for her term as President, Judge FernĂĄndez said. She also underlined the importance of the participation and reparation of victims as well as communication with affected communities.
In the margins of the Forum, President FernĂĄndez held several bilateral meetings, including with senior government officials of Slovenia. In her discussions with Prime Minister Miro Cerar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Karl Erjavec and Minister of Justice Goran Klemencic, the ICC President expressed the Courtâs gratitude for Sloveniaâs strong and long-standing support. She briefed the ministers on reforms underway at the Court, including efforts to improve the efficiency of judicial proceedings through the harmonisation of working methods and implementation of best practices.
History repeats itself at Noordeinde, The Hague. Grand Opening Clockmakers Shop The Course of Time Â
On Saturday 19th September 2015 at 14.00 hours the clockmakers shop The Course of Time will open its doors on 157A Noordeinde in The Hague. On the site where once a very renowned clockmaker was located, independent clockmaker Mr. Jitsko Vrieze opens again a clockmakers shop continuing the tradition of clock repair at Noordeinde street. The Course of Time specializes in sales, repair and restoration of antique clocks.
Jitsko Vrieze, the owner of The Course of Time, has turned his passion into his profession. Originating from the flower trade and âexports he decided a few years ago to devote his career to professional clock making. He was trained at, amongst others, A. Gaemers Chronometrie, a leading specialist in exclusive clocks. Vriezeâs newly opened shop The Course of Time, specializes in sale and repair of antique clocks, mainly from the 18th and 19th century. Mr A. Gaemers will officially open The Course of Time on 19 September.
Jitsko Vrieze: âThe Course of Time is a new reliable address for professional clock making in the greater âThe Hagueâ area. Whether it concerns the repair of a precious heirloom, or a clock purchased on an auction or an antiques market.
We can also advise you on acquiring an antique clock fitting your, for example, modern interior. You can contact us for an appointment, but do feel free to drop in at any time to have a look.
The Course of Time is located at Noordeinde 157A in The Hague Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.thecourseoftime.nl Telephone: + 31 (0) 70 744 68 75
India and Pakistan celebrated their 69th Independence Day on 15 August 2015.The end of the British colonial rule in 1947 marked the creation of two independent states, namely Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. “Independence Day” is celebrated widely in both the countries, with flags from the respective countries hoisted in schools and colleges, and at government buildings and major landmarks.Almost right after the celebrations in India, Mr. Narendra Modi the country’s Prime Minister  headed to the UAE for an official visit on 16 August, a first by an Indian head of government in 30 years. The visit was quintessentially deemed as “Modi-like”, that is, a warm embrace for Abu Dhabiâs Crown Prince, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a pitch for trade and investment and an allocution in the midst of Dubaiâs large and vibrant Indian community that bore resemblance to his address at Madison Square Garden in New York last year.
On the picture Dr. Bahiya bint Jawad Al Jishi. Photography by Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs.By Baron Henri Estramant.
His Majesty King Hamad II of Bahrain issued Royal Decree 59/2015 appointing new heads of mission to Bahraini diplomatic missions.
Dr. Bahia bint Jawad Al Jishi succeeds Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Doseri as Head of Mission to the EU, Belgium and non-resident to Luxembourg. Dr. Al Jishi was duly hailed and congratulated as a model for Bahraini women by the realm’s First Lady, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chair of the Supreme Council for Women.
Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulghaffar Abdullah.Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulghaffar Abdullah becomes Head of Mission to the French Republic, co-accredited to Spain and Portugal.
Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
HE Minister Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, hitherto Minister of State for Communication Affairs, is due to replace HE Ambassador Alice Thomas Samaan as Ambassador to St. James’s Court (UK), concurrent to The Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman in the middle, right his father HRH The Crown Prince of Bahrain – Picture by BNA.
The Bahraini mission in London is Bahrain’s second largest and of particular importance because of the frequent visits to the British capital by members of the Ruling House of Khalifa. In fact, the latest royal gathering for some Al Khalifa took HRH The Crown Prince, General Sheikh Salman bin Hamad, to the graduation ceremony at King’s College of his son, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, who earned a degree with honours in War Studies.
Right – HE Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahraini FM.
All ambassadorial appointments were put forward by the Foreign Minister, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. For more information:
Mistry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain: www.mofa.gov.bh
Eight Dutch people involved in terrorist activities in Syria and Iraq were added to the national terrorist list on Thursday. Their assets will be frozen so that they can no longer access their bank accounts or use their credit cards. âBy taking this measure we are making it much harder for these people to commit terrorist acts,â said foreign minister Bert Koenders.This brings the total number of individuals and organisations on the national terrorist list to 40. Twenty-seven names have been added to the list since the outbreak of the conflict in Syria in late 2013.It is more difficult for people on the list to make purchases or transfer money to people in the Netherlands who want to join terrorist groups. Providing funds to individuals on the list is a criminal offence.âWe need to block funding for these people, because they are joint perpetrators of or accessories to the ruthless violence being committed in the region,â said Mr Koenders. âWe also need to prevent them from returning to the Netherlands to commit acts of violence here. Freezing their assets reduces this risk.âThe decision to freeze the assets of individuals or organisations is taken jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Security and Justice, the Ministry of Finance and other authorities. This may be based on a conviction by a court, an investigation by the Public Prosecution Service or a person-specific report by the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). Under UN Security Council Resolution 1373, the Netherlands is required to take financial measures directed against individuals and organisations that commit or attempt to commit terrorist acts or facilitate such acts.The national terrorist list is part of the strategy for dealing with people who want to travel abroad to join a terrorist organisation â or foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), as they are called. This comprehensive strategy comprises an array of measures under administrative and criminal law. For instance, the authorities can revoke a personâs passport.In addition, the Netherlands is working to combat terrorism at multilateral level, including in the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). It also participates in the international coalition against ISIS (for example by deploying F-16s) and multilateral working groups.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
 Next week, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen will visit Mexico with an economic mission consisting of 23 Dutch companies. The programme, which will focus on energy and maritime issues (ports, dredging firm, shipbuilding), follows recent reforms to the Mexican energy market. In addition to promoting trade relations, Ms Ploumen will attend a meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, which she co-chairs.After the US, the Netherlands is the largest foreign investor in Mexico (âŹ10 billion annually). The above-mentioned energy reforms are a source of opportunity for Dutch companies and knowledge institutes in the energy and maritime sectors. On Wednesday 2 September Ms Ploumen will visit the Mexican state of Campeche, where over half of all Mexican oil is produced. While there, she will stop by the offices of Dutch geotechnical service provider Fugro in the port of Ciudad del Carmen and of the offshore company Naviera Integral, whose advanced security systems are provided by Damen Shipyards.There are opportunities for the Netherlands in Mexico in a variety of areas: offshore services, port development, pipelines construction and shipbuilding. Mexico sees the Netherlands as a source of much-needed expertise on energy reform and innovation. On Thursday 3 September a networking meeting will be held in Mexico City for business leaders. Ms Ploumen herself will meet with the CEO of Pemex (the state oil company), the Secretary of Foreign Relations and the Secretary of Energy. Various commercial contracts will be signed, and an agreement will be concluded on a Dutch-Mexican energy partnership.CSR
Mexico has shown interest in the Netherlandsâ aspirations in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). At a meeting in Campeche participants will discuss workplace safety in the energy sector, which is a priority issue in both the Netherlands and Mexico. In Mexico City the Secretary of Foreign Relations will attend a CSR forum on sustainability in the energy industry. The focus will be on the involvement of the government, business community and NGOs, and the need to consult indigenous groups on major infrastructural projects. Development cooperation On Friday Ms Ploumen will act as co-chair of the semi-annual meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC), an international platform that brings together governments, businesses, civil society and philanthropic groups to share experiences on how best to implement investments, programmes and projects. Together with Mexico and Malawi, the Netherlands will launch a partnership in which water experts from all three countries will work to reduce the risk of floods in Malawi. The conference will take place in the framework of the UNâs development goals, which will be adopted by the General Assembly in New York later in September.Â
The Charge d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Minister Ibnu Wahyutomo hosted a diplomatic reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia held at the Hilton Hotel Den Haag on Wednesday evening, 26 August 2015. HE Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.As many as 500 guests (from the diplomatic corps, Dutch officials, business people, academics, friends of Indonesia, and other distinguished guests) attended the reception. Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs, HE Bert Koenders acted as the “Guest of Honour” of the reception. Other distinguished guests included former Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Bernard Bot.HE Dr. Bernard Bot and Minister Wahyutomo.During his speech, Minister Wahyutomo also explained the expanding IndonesianâNetherlands cooperation. âBilateral trade in 2014 almost doubled compared to that of 2004, it almost reached $5 billion in 2014. An impressive record was achieved in the field of Dutch investment in our country when in 2014 it reached a level 49 times higher than that of eight years earlier. The Dutch investment is among the top 10 foreign investors in Indonesiaâ, explained Wahyutomo.HE Bert Koenders and Minister Wahyutomo.Meanwhile, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Bert Koenders also suggested similar views. He started his remarks by extending his congratulation to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and all Indonesian peoples for the 70th Anniversary of the independence of Indonesia. Furthermore Minister Koenders also praised Indonesia for its positive role and impressive developments in economy, regional and international politics, democracy, and other respected areas.To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the independence of Indonesia, the Embassy of Indonesia has already organised and will organize several activities including the âIndonesian Festival: Pesta Rakyat 2015â on Saturday, 5 September 2015, at the Indonesian School in Wassenaar as well as the âIndonesia Fashion Showâ on Monday, 7 September 2015 at Grotekerk Den Haag.H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador for Bangladesh and Minister Ibnu Wahyutomo . Â
Jitsko Vrieze: âThe Course of Time is a new reliable address for professional clock making in the greater âThe Hagueâ area. Whether it concerns the repair of a precious heirloom, or a clock purchased on an auction or an antiques market.
We can also advise you on acquiring an antique clock fitting your, for example, modern interior. You can contact us for an appointment, but do feel free to drop in at any time to have a look.
The Course of Time is located at Noordeinde 157A in The Hague Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.thecourseoftime.nl Telephone: + 31 (0) 70 744 68 75 
Jitsko Vrieze: âThe Course of Time is a new reliable address for professional clock making in the greater âThe Hagueâ area. Whether it concerns the repair of a precious heirloom, or a clock purchased on an auction or an antiques market.
We can also advise you on acquiring an antique clock fitting your, for example, modern interior. You can contact us for an appointment, but do feel free to drop in at any time to have a look.
The Course of Time is located at Noordeinde 157A in The Hague Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.thecourseoftime.nl Telephone: + 31 (0) 70 744 68 75 
Almost right after the celebrations in India, Mr. Narendra Modi the country’s Prime Minister  headed to the UAE for an official visit on 16 August, a first by an Indian head of government in 30 years. The visit was quintessentially deemed as “Modi-like”, that is, a warm embrace for Abu Dhabiâs Crown Prince, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a pitch for trade and investment and an allocution in the midst of Dubaiâs large and vibrant Indian community that bore resemblance to his address at Madison Square Garden in New York last year.
Almost right after the celebrations in India, Mr. Narendra Modi the country’s Prime Minister  headed to the UAE for an official visit on 16 August, a first by an Indian head of government in 30 years. The visit was quintessentially deemed as “Modi-like”, that is, a warm embrace for Abu Dhabiâs Crown Prince, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a pitch for trade and investment and an allocution in the midst of Dubaiâs large and vibrant Indian community that bore resemblance to his address at Madison Square Garden in New York last year.
