CSR-in-Action Group is gearing up to host an impressive lineup of industry leaders at the upcoming 12th annual Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) conference. Scheduled for October 31, 2023, at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, this international organisation is bringing together the minds driving ethical business and development systems.
Under the theme of “The SDGs and the Extractive Sector: Aligning Governance, Policies and Practices,” the conference intends to unravel the intricate connections between the extractive sector and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By examining the harmony between governance frameworks, policy dynamics, and sustainable development demands, the event aims to forge innovative paradigms that blend industrial pursuits with the pressing requirements of sustainable advancement.
Amidst Nigeria’s vibrant economic landscape, esteemed participants will gather to decode the complex relationships linking key industries like mining, oil and gas, and agriculture with the broader context of global development objectives. Notable figures from governmental bodies and industries are slated to speak at the event. The roster includes His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Elohor Aiboni, Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited; and Dr. Abdulrasaq Garba, Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, among others.
These distinguished speakers will lead insightful discussions probing the intricate ties between the SDGs and extractive industries, with a special focus on the Nigerian context. The convener of the conference and Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action, ‘Bekeme Olowola, conveyed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the pressing need to address socio-economic inequalities, environmental issues, and historical governance matters within the extractive sector. She believes that aligning with globally recognized SDGs will attract sustainable investments, foster social unity, and mirror Nigeria’s commitment to responsible practices and balanced growth on both local and international stages.
A collaborative effort between CSR-in-Action and key industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), the SITEI Conference serves as an annual platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. This platform has played a pivotal role in bringing about transformative initiatives such as the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), as well as SITEI-Woman, an initiative that champions gender equity in the sector.
Further, the conference will coincide with the Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, an event that recognizes and honors remarkable individuals and organizations making significant independent contributions to society throughout Africa. As CSR-in-Action Group’s SITEI Conference continues to drive change and innovation, it stands as a testament to the powerful impact of collective efforts in shaping a more sustainable future.