International CSR experts provide key insights on strategic CSR, says CSR projects should be more strategic
View(s):Two experts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from Holcim International, at a recent ‘Knowledge Exchange Programme on practicalities of business transformation organised by CSR Lanka, shared their insights and international experience on StrategicApproach of CSR, Sustainable Development Ambitions, Inclusive Business Initiatives and Human Rights Relations in Business.
Ms. Stephanie Koch – Head of Corporate Social Responsibility – Holcim International, spoke about the transition and evolution of CSR activities in large corporates where CSR has moved from general philanthropic projects to strategic CSR and now to Inclusive Business.
According to a media release issued by CSR Lanka on the event, she explained the intricacies of each of the areas and how Holcim International has set a goal to impact and influence 100 million lives around the world by 2030.
Ms. Ariane Luthi – Human Rights Specialist of Holcim International, covered the Human Rights relations in business and spoke about how the company uses the Human Development Index and Economic Freedom Index and engages with industry experts and different stakeholders in various countries to prioritise CSR projects that would deliver maximum impact to the community.
Responding to a comment and question from the floor, Ms. Koch stated that CSR projects should be more strategic rather than philanthropic and commitment from senior management of the company in question is vital for it to be successful.
She elaborated on CSR activities at Holcim saying that the company had an environmental policy since the turn of the century and position with regard to climate change and more importantly an allocation of resources for all social issues faced by communities in around where Holcim was operating in.
“The traditional type of CSR projects, which is philanthropy is an area which private sector companies should slowly move away from,” she added.
Ms. Luthi spoke about how many private companies are now considering human rights as a vital part of their business. “However she cautioned about the fact a company should put their own house in order before thinking of CSR.
The management of the entire supply chain is important. Business opportunities within the value chain must be first pursued. At Holcim Industry experts are called upon to see what topics (Human Rights Issues, Social Issues, etc) come up in each area. Different stakeholders are requested to give their views and action plans are formulated based on their perceptions,” she said.