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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
12.07.2005 ET
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CSR News from:
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US$1 Million Alcan Prize for Sustainability Awarded to Pakistan's Aga Khan Planning and Building Services
(CSRwire) Montreal, Canada - Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) and the Prince of
Wales International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) are pleased to announce
that the US$1 million 2005 Alcan Prize for Sustainability is awarded to
the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services Pakistan (AKPBSP) for its
efforts to improve Pakistan's urban infrastructure, including water and
sanitation facilities.
"The AKPBSP embodies a tangible commitment to sustainability and is a more
than a worthy recipient of the Alcan Prize, designed to recognize the
shared interest both business and NGO's have in working together to make
for a better, more sustainable world," said Travis Engen, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc. "At Alcan, this translates into
addressing the social, economic, and environmental interests of all of the
communities in which we operate."
Founded in 1980, AKPBS works to alleviate poverty in a sustainable manner,
by enhancing the existing urban infrastructure of some of Pakistan's most
disadvantaged communities. Its efforts include village planning, natural
hazard mitigation, and other quality-of-life issues, such as sanitation
and potable water. A strong area of focus for the organization is the
development of technologies related to earthquake resistant buildings and
green energy sources in village planning and design.
The Alcan Prize is managed by a third-party, the IBLF, to ensure
credibility and objectivity. "AKPBS has demonstrated a significant track
record in Pakistan through its innovative work in improving living
conditions and the environment for the most disadvantaged people in both
urban and rural communities," said Robert Davies, IBLF Chief Executive
Officer.
The Alcan Prize Adjudication Panel received the AKPBS' entry in March and
over the course of its assessment was impressed by the organization's
grassroots approach and sustainable impact on environmental, economic,
social and cultural issues and the global relevance of its work.
Asif Merchant, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Planning and Building
Services, said, "The Alcan Prize will help us refocus international
attention on the urgent need to rebuild communities devastated by the
October 8, 2005 earthquake that struck northern Pakistan, and develop more
sustainable villages for the future. Not only is the Alcan Prize a very
welcome source of new funds at a critical time, it is also a vote of
confidence from some of the world's leaders in sustainability."
The Adjudication Panel also awarded Alcan Grants to five of the 10
finalists. Worth US$15,000 each, these grants enable a senior staff member
from each of the recipient organizations to participate in a one-year,
part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Cross Sector Partnership accredited
by the University of Cambridge.
Alcan Grant winners for 2005 are:
Bioplaneta, Mexico City, Mexico
Rainforest Alliance, New York, U.S.A.
Magic Bus, Mumbai, India
Roundabout Outdoor, Johannesburg, S.A.
Oasis Association, Claremont, S.A.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum,
fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace
applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well
positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative
solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has
operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.
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