A key element of our success has been the close working relationship between PDO, the communities where we operate and all aspects of society in Oman. Our social Performance programmes focus on areas where we affect others through our operations and where our skills can make a difference to society.
Our partnership with the Government and the people of Oman is realised through engagement with our stakeholders such as local dignitaries, Government officials, and private shareholders to build an understanding about what we are doing and ensure that our activities are integrated into the local social, economic and environmental context.
In 2003, the Government of Oman established a Social Investment Committee representing the Omani government and PDO and is chaired by H.E. the Undersecretary for Development Affairs in the Ministry of National Economy. The committee assesses and evaluates proposed social performance projects and monitors progress of the approved ones.
Strategic Social Investment stand for activities linked to the impact of our operations and enhancement of related opportunities to local communities. An example of these activities is the launch of the Local Community Contractors (LCC) initiative in 1998 to give people living in the concession area opportunities to establish their own companies that could provide services to PDO.
In order to integrate SP in all business aspects, each major project that PDO carries out has a social performance plan and dedicated Focal Point and Community Relations Officer to manage impacts and realise Social Investment benefits. Several initiatives stand out as examples of this approach including employment of locals, establishment of a centre for Bone-carving Craft Business and Veterinary Care for Livestock.
PDO contributes to society, not only through the production of oil and gas, but also by enhancing social development and implementation of projects of benefit to society as a whole such as the distribution of Educational Materials and Information Technology for the Visually Impaired
In addition to the projects PDO initiates, we also contribute to society through the financial support via our Grants and Donations Committee. The company donates money in kind every year in response to around the 500 requests we receive for support for various educational, sporting and health-related events, as well for numerous conferences and exhibitions.
PDO has a long tradition of marking the milestone of National Day by making a Gift to the Nation. So far, the company has established: The Oil & Gas exhibition Centre, the Planetarium, the Public Knowledge Library, and the Traffic Safety Institute.