Swedish CSR Ambassador, Mr Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Secretary Silvestre Bello III among speakers at Conference on Responsible Business

17 January 2018

Makati, Philippines - More than 150 leaders in business and government convene today at Fostering CSR in the Philippines: Conference on Responsible Business, a full day conference at Makati Shangri-La Hotel for a joint effort to champion corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a way for companies to mitigate and address social and environmental challenges. Organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, ASEAN CSR Network (ACN) and the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), the conference is aimed at driving momentum for a business community that protects not only profits, but also people and the planet.

Among the notabe leaders who will speak are H.E. Ambassador Harald Fries (Swedish Ambassador to Manila), Ms Yanti Triwadiantini (Chair, ASEAN CSR Network), Mr. Roderick De Castro (Chairman, League of Corporate Foundations), Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (Chairman and CEO, Ayala Corporation), H.E. Mr. Leo Herrera-Lim (Representative of the Philippines, ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights), Ms Diana Madunic (CSR Ambassador of Sweden), Secretary Silvestre Bello III (Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment).

The conference aims to showcase the best practices in CSR by Swedish and Filipino companies, ranging from social initiatives – such as farmer empowerment programmes, protection of migrant workers, and initiatives to ensure communities making way for large infrastructure projects are resettled in a responsible manner – to environmental initiatives, such as sustainable packaging and waste management.

Swedish companies that will share their insights include IKEA, Scania, Tetra Pak, Ericsson and H&M while Filipino companies include Ayala Corporation, Jollibee Group, Nestle, San Roque Power Corporation, BPI and Bato-Balani.

Apart from the private sector, speakers for the Conference also include leaders from the government, academia and civil society organisations. They are TeaM Energy Foundation, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Fair Hiring Initiative, Asian Institute of Management, Villar SIPAG, Municipality of San Felipe in Zambales and CEMEX Philippines Foundation.

The conference presents participants with an opportunity to understand why these companies have chosen to operate responsibly, how they have spearheaded a movement in their own industries, and most importantly – the business case for why more companies should follow suit. It is also an opportunity for Sweden to share its expertise and experience in implementing a strong and comprehensive inclusive CSR business model through extensive environmental protection, active measures to respect human rights and improve work places, and fighting corruption.

Participants will also learn about the current trends in CSR as exemplified by successful programs by Swedish pioneers, progress made in the Philippines, common challenges faced, future trends, as well as in-depth topics such as inclusive labour relations, inclusive supply chains and inclusive community development. (E)

About Swedish Embassy Manila

Sweden has had diplomatic relations with the Philippines since 1947. The Embassy’s main task is to represent Sweden in the Philippines and to strengthen the relations between the two countries. Its focus is on promoting trade and investment. This includes promoting Sweden as a progressive and innovative country. The embassy is also stimulating exchange between and in areas such as culture, tourism and education.

Swedish companies have been present in the Philippines for almost a hundred years. Today, over 40 Swedish companies are operating in the country. In its new export strategy, the Swedish government has identified the Philippines as one of the 26 prioritized countries in terms of trade and investments. Swedish business interest in the Philippine market is growing.

About ASEAN CSR Network

ACN is an ASEAN Entity acting as the regional network of CSR networks in ASEAN Member States. It was formed in December 2010 with the vision to have “a responsible business community that makes ASEAN a better place to live for all”. Its mandate is to have corporate social responsibility (CSR) incorporated in the corporate agenda and contribute towards sustainable socio-economic development in ASEAN Member States. The ACN provides a platform for networking and cooperation, supports capacity-building and training activities, helps catalyse collective action on key issues, and provides a link with regional and international bodies in supporting the advancement of CSR in the region. It is accredited as an ASEAN entity under Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter.

About the League of Corporate Foundations

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is a network of almost 100 corporate foundations and corporations in the Philippines. Since its formation in 1991, LCF has persistently advocated for the strategic practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among its members and the larger business community. The LCF serves as its members’ arena for exchanging ideas, experiences, information and technology, and joint undertakings and partnerships for nation building.

Questions?

Contact:
Charlene Erica Balaan, Communications Officer
Charlene.balaan@gov.se
+63917 316 5706
Facebook : www.facebook.com/SwedenInManila
Weblink: www.swedenabroad.com/manila