This is a Global Recognition, Says Secretary General
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) added another feather to its cap this week by being accepted into the Responsible Care Leadership program, the global chemical industry's signature environmental, health and safety performance initiative.
The GPCA's application for membership was unanimously endorsed by the 23 members attending the RCLG meeting hosted by GPCA in Dubai earlier in the week. RCLG is currently composed of 51 senior executive representing global chemical producers and regional/ national producers associations and had been established to review progress on the implementation of the Responsible Care which is the chemical industry's unique global initiative that drives continuous improvement in health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance, together with open and transparent communication with stakeholders.
The Chairman of GPCA Responsible Care Committee, Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery commented on this recent accolade: "The GPCA remains committed to working closely with our stakeholder and international associations to ensure that the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf and Middle East Region is a responsible global player."
"Our region is steadily becoming a more significant player in the chemical business. Our products are being used throughout the globe and our production facilities are considered world-class both in terms of production capacities and safety, health and environmental standards observed. This places a significant responsibility on our shoulders to play a more active role, a responsibility that we are now in a stronger position to fulfill thanks to our membership in RCLG," he added.
GPCA membership in RCLG paves the way for full membership to the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), which is the global platform where issues relevant to the global chemical industry are discussed and debated. The ICCA is composed of national and regional Chemicals Associations all over the world. ICCA is active in endorsing the implementation of the Responsible Care which is a voluntary Initiative that was launched in 1985 by the Canadian Chemical Producers Association. Now 53 national and regional associations worldwide have adopted this Initiative and ICCA monitors the implementation and ensures its integrity.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, the Secretary General of GPCA, also expressed his positive reaction towards such a remarkable milestone in the evolution of GPCA, and said: "This endorsement gives us the impetus to play a more active role in shaping the policies and regulation governing the global chemical industry."
"This is a vote of confidence by the international community in the GPCA and reflects the commitment made by the GPCA's Board of Directors to abide by the Responsible Care Global Charter and observe the sustainable development practices in the Gulf petrochemical and chemical industry. We strongly support ICCA's global initiatives focused towards the United Nations efforts to use and produce chemicals in ways that lead to reduced energy use, minimal greenhouse gas emissions and preservation and protection of natural resources," he added.
"Responsible Care is our industry's foundation for a sustainable future," said Peter Cartwright, Chair of the ICCA's Responsible Care Leadership Group and Executive Director of Environment, Health and Safety at Dow-Corning. "GPCA's commitment to Responsible Care represents a beneficial expansion of the program in the Gulf and Middle East region. We're proud to recognize GPCA's strong commitment to chemicals management, product stewardship, and the safety of employees and communities in which they operate."
-Ends-
About the International Council of Chemical Associations
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry, a sector with 2008 turnover of €1,950 billion (excluding pharmaceuticals). ICCA's Responsible Care members account for approximately 79% of this total. The promotion and coordination of Responsible Care® and safe chemicals management through the Global Product Strategy, international climate negotiations, government and business partnerships, regulatory affairs, stakeholder outreach, advocacy and communications are key areas of focus for the Council. For more information about ICCA visit www.icca-chem.org
About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA), the first such industry association in the Middle East, has grown from strength to strength since its inception in March 2006, steering the regional industry toward a new era of cooperation. As the region's Petrochemical and Chemical Industry's representative body, GPCA aims to enhance the role of the region in international debate and policymaking to facilitate regional cooperation and to ensure that growth is both sustainable and socially responsible. GPCA's mission is to offer its members networking opportunities through various platforms to meet and share knowledge; exchange insights and expertise; and advocate the development, growth and prosperity of the petrochemicals and chemicals industry and related business in the Gulf. More information is available at: www.gpca.org.ae
Contact: (w for work, m for mobile phone)
ICCA:
Bernhard Thier:
(w) +32 2 676 73 78,
(m) +32 478 320 455 or bth@cefic.be
GPCA:
Tahir Qadir:
(w) + 9714 321 744,
(m) + 96502895408 or tahir@gpca.org.ae
© Press Release 2010
