Jordan Minister of Environment Joins Islamic Reporting Initiative

AMMAN, Jordan, August 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Jordan's Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr Taher Shakhshir, has announced his position as a member on the Islamic Reporting Initiative's (IRI) Advisory Council, to work towards furthering sustainable and ethical business practice in Jordan and across the Islamic world.

Speaking of the Minister's partnership with the IRI, H.E. Dr Shakhshir says: "I am pleased to announce my position as a Member of the Islamic Reporting Initiative's Advisory Council. The Government of Jordan is committed to realizing a green economy and such an advisory role to the IRI will further strengthen our objective. With the IRI's mission to support businesses in the application of, and reporting on, culturally-relevant sustainability measures, it represents an excellent opportunity for the Ministry to contribute to the practical implementation of the nations' green vision from the bottom-up".

Earlier this year, Jordan's Environment Ministry signed an agreement to prepare plans to develop environmental projects to achieve sustainable development. "The objectives of such plans are wide-reaching, and include building the adaptive capacity of communities and organizations in Jordan to prepare for future challenges. The IRI represents a tool which will encourage and facilitate best practice to achieve this and more" - H.E. Dr Shakhshir.

Launched in 2015, the IRI has rapidly gained momentum and support from businesses, governmental and non-profit organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. The IRI aspires to be the first, integrated reporting standard for CSR based on Islamic principles, and will enable organizations to inclusively assess, report, verify and certify their CSR programs through a culturally-relevant and impact-oriented approach. It has potential to be of benefit to organizations in over 50 countries, being of particular relevance to members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Already, the initiative has partners from more than 20 countries across the MENA region, Asia and Europe, representing a diverse range of business sectors.

Drs Daan Elffers, Chairman of the IRI: "We are honoured and delighted to have H.E. Dr Shakhshir on the Council. Such international and multi-sector collaboration will bring to the IRI extensive expertise, and ensure thorough and appropriate inclusion of culturally-specific elements while meeting the highest international goals of sustainable business practice".

Introductory video: https://youtu.be/A5pUFdE7gWk

The Advisory Council welcomes further applications by individuals and organizations to contribute to the continuing development of the IRI. For information on collaborative opportunities with the IRI visit http://www.islamicreporting.org.