The Arab Spring came not just as a surprise for the people in North Africa. Foreign companies that have long been engaged there were also faced with major challenges. The comprehensive communications that BASF subsidiary Wintershall achieved in this situation in its partner country Libya were honoured by the International German PR Award 2012 as the best “change, conflict and crisis communications”.
Wintershall, Germany’s leading internationally active oil and natural gas producer, has been working for more than 50 years in Libya. When the uprising began, staff from Wintershall Libya were exposed to considerable danger. In addition, the company faced serious economic consequences – particularly after Germany abstained from the Libya Resolution in the World Security Council.
“We provided our colleagues in Libya with quick and targeted help,” says Michael Sasse, head of corporate communications at Wintershall. “But not just that, we also assumed responsibility by providing humanitarian aid and, last but not least, our successful communications have enabled us to establish a firm place in the new Libya. We are absolutely delighted that the jury members for the German PR Award have honoured this work from our team.”
