13 September 2001

Bonn, Germany: The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) and one of the world's leaders in water services, Suez, today announced a wide-ranging cooperation agreement to promote the services of corporate volunteers in developing countries.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed by UNV Executive Coordinator Sharon Capeling-Alakija and Suez Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Mestrallet, UNV and Suez will set up a pilot programme to recruit and field employees of Suez to respond to requests for advisory services identified and approved by UNV.

A main objective is to support the public and private sectors in developing countries or economies in transition through short-term advisory missions. UNV-Suez Volunteers are to give direct advice to governments, companies, institutions or organizations seeking cooperation related to Suez' areas of expertise -- energy, water and waste management.

Suez employees serving as volunteer experts under the scheme will remain on the company's payroll, while UNV will bear the administrative costs related to the recruitment and support of the UNV-Suez Volunteers in the recipient country.

Suez occupies front-ranking positions in each of its core businesses: electricity, water and waste management. It is Europe's fifth-largest private electricity supplier, the world leader in water services and the European leader in waste management services.

Foundation Suez, under the aegis of Fondation de France, supports non-profit organizations in Asia, Latin America and in Africa. It also supports humanitarian work in France, particularly in favour of sick children and children directly or indirectly affected by AIDS. It is also involved in programmes to bring music and culture to children in hospital in order to improve their conditions.

In 1996, employees of Suez, drawing upon their expertise, formed a humanitarian organization called Aquassistance. The mission of Aquassistance is to help poor communities in the development and management of water resources through transfer of knowledge and material resources. It also actively responds to emergencies such as floods, conflicts, displaced people and refugees, providing them with water from local sources. The equivalent organization for energy, Energy Assistance, has recently been launched. Suez is also a member of the Global Compact, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's initiative in support of universal values and responsible business operations.