Community partners

We work with both international and community-based organisations to address social issues close to our operations. The benefits of these collaborations can help meet a specific need within a community – such as unemployment – and they can help Shell to improve its own operational practices. For example, the Danish Institute for Human Rights provides guidance on the integration of human rights into labour practices, procurement, security and community issues.

Partnerships in specific countries help to build trust and draw on local knowledge. For example, Shell is working with the United Nations Development Programme to expand and refurbish Al Jawadian School in Al Dayr, near Basra in southern Iraq. The partnership has also constructed four local playgrounds so that children can play in safe areas away from traffic. Another project in Iraq has supported 13 local businesses – including women entrepreneurs – with business training, coaching and capital investment.

We also have a global partnership with Mercy Corps, an international organisation that helps people to recover from crises, build better lives and transform their communities. In its first three years, the partnership has focused on transforming how companies and non-governmental organisations can work together for mutual benefit. In Sichuan province, China, for example, we are helping smallholder farmers to improve their agricultural practices and the way they manage their businesses. (See Working with communities).