Businesses for Middle East peace‐building: a framework for engagement

Abstract

PurposeThis paper outlines a framework for engaging international business in the Palestinian‐Israeli peace process, based not on traditional profit models but on corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachA crucial ingredient to Middle East peace is an economic development process providing jobs, stability, and growth in the West Bank and Gaza. This paper reports on a 26 member consultation at Windsor Castle, England, convened by the Institute for Global Ethics (IGE) in September 2002 to bring together Palestinians and Israelis from the region with business leaders and professionals from Europe, the US, and Canada. The consultation was preceded by an IGE research paper and followed by a published report.FindingsA discussion of the arguments for CSR engagement in the Middle East, along with two key documents agreed by the participants, are reported here. A “statement of principles” identifies six traits of successful CSR activities in the region. The second, listing 21 “practical steps for promoting economic development,” identifies potential business interventions listed in descending order of risk, complexity, cost, and long‐term commitment, including such items as “create micro‐enterprise opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and commit to purchasing their outputs,” and “help create management and/or skills training programs within the region.” The participants strongly agreed that the global business community, acting within a CSR framework, could significantly advance the prospects for Middle East peace.Originality/valueThis paper will interest business executives, CSR proponents, diplomats and economists, and leaders within the region seeking ways to jump‐start the currently stalled peace process.