CSR conference: Good business for all

Proponents of CSR – myself included – argue that effective corporate responsibility programs are good both for the firm and the communities in which they operate. This sense of responsible business' ability to foster a stable social and business environment will come under the microscope at the IV Inter-American Conference on CSR, taking placing in Brazil, December 10-12.  This year's event, themed "Good Business for All", will attract the great and the good of the CSR world from across Latin America.  And this year, there is the added attraction of the beaches in beautiful Salvador. Brazil is a fitting venue for the regional event given that Brazilian
firms and institutions are among the leaders in CSR efforts in the
region.   

From the sustainable sourcing of cosmetics firm Natura, the leadership of ABN AMRO on sustainable investment, or the sustainability index of the stock exchange BOVESPA,
Brazilian firms are leading the charge. The country's most recent
example of socially responsible business is highlighted in this month's
Ethical Corporation: Sao Paolo based Amanco's
new sustainability report (PDF in English) emphasizes the value of eco-efficiency
savings, environmental certification, targeted product development for
poor communities, stakeholder engagement and backing for collective
transparency measures. The latter will feature in a session at the
conference alongside several working groups to focus on business action
to combat corruption.  Others include one being organized by the World
Bank Institute together with Wharton and the US Department of Commerce.