November 10 International Conference on Corporate and Social Responsibility

GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS FOR A BETTER SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN CHISINAU

Global Compact Network Moldova, United Nations Development Programme, American Chamber of Commerce and Eurasia Foundation Moldova Representative Office organized on the 31 of October 2008, at "Codru" hotel, Chisinau, an international conference "Government and Business for a Better Social Responsibility".

The event pointed out the need of collaboration between state authorities and business in corporate social responsibility area and reflected the current practices from Central and Eastern Europe countries in the field. Representatives of national and international companies, Parliament and Government, diplomatic and donors| communities, as well as mass-media attended the conference.

"Private companies play a very important role in country|s social-economic development. It is necessary to harmonize the national legislation in compliance with the European standards that promote and regulate corporate social responsibility activities", mentioned Marian Lupu, the President of the Republic of Moldova Parliament, within the conference session.

The American Chamber of Commerce granted awards to most socially responsible companies: Moldcell with the CSR General Award, Avon Cosmetics received the Small & Medium Enterprise Award, Red Union Fenosa and Sun Communications having been awarded the Partnership Award, and Rompetrol getting the Philanthropy Award.

The conference served as a good opportunity to launch the official portal of the Global Compact Network in Moldova www.globalcompact.md, which would serve as a platform for informing and promoting national and international social responsibility practices. As well, the conference framed in a special session organized for mass-media representatives, which focused on supporting corporate social responsibility campaigns and their coverage in the media.

Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) represents a concept that encourages businesses to take into consideration society|s interests by assuming responsibility for the impact their activities have on communities, clients, employees, shareholders and environment. This commitment goes beyond the statute obligations to observe the legislation and is expressed by volunteer actions meant to improve life quality for employees and their families, as well as for communities and entire society.

The conference was financially supported by MOLDCELL (general sponsor), BioProtect Ltd., Avon Cosmetics, Mobiasbanca, British American Tabacco, Orange Moldova, Philip Morris International, Prime Capital and RED UNION FENOSA.