OSLO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On May 14^th a Global Launch of “The Natural Resource Charter” will take place in Oslo. The Charter is a set of principles for governments and societies on how to use opportunities created by natural resources. The Charter is developed by leading global experts in economics, development and business ethics. International experts in politics, economics, academia and NGOs will be present in the City Hall of Oslo during the event.

Natural resources have often proved to be a curse and not a catalyst for growth and prosperity for societies. Lack of competence and ethical misbehavior play important roles in why these opportunities have been missed. The summit will see the Global Launch of the Natural Resource Charter which seeks to provide guidelines on how to use the opportunities created by natural resources effectively.

Among others, this year’s summit will gather: Mr. Festus G. Mogae, former President of Botswana; Mr. Erik Solheim, Norway’s Minister for Environment and Development; Dr. Kandeh Yumkelle, Secretary General of UNIDO; and Professor A. Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate.

The Oslo Award

In connection with the summit the Oslo Award will be handed out for the first time. This Oslo Award will be handed out annually to the business leader whose actions and commitments have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of ethical behaviour and to peace. The Award Giving Committee consists of three Nobel Laureates: Professor Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2006), Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai (Nobel Peace Price Laureate 2004) and Professor A. Michael Spence (Nobel Prize Laureate in Economic Sciences 2001).

“Although business isn’t always perfect, it offers us examples that deserve to be recognized. There is an increasing number of business persons who show an ability to successfully grow their business in ways that are both socially responsible, ethically sound and financially sensible.” says Mr. Per L. Saxegaard, representing the Business for Peace Foundation in Oslo.