15 May 2024

The inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) conference and Corporate Award 2024 will be held in Gaborone on May 23.

Addressing a press conference on May 15 in Gaborone, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Concepts, managing director, Mr Archibald Ngakayagae said the CSI conference and corporate awards focused on how companies had adapted their business strategies by integrating CSR initiatives into their core operations.

“The conference aims to showcase sustainable growth models and highlight the principles and best practices used by corporate and CSR and sustainability professionals to innovate their existing efforts,” he said, adding that the conference promised to provide valuable insights into incorporating CSR into organisations, fostering positive social impact, and establishing effective partnerships to drive sustainable growth.

He explained that the event would give participants insights into cutting-edge global and local CSR practices and techniques, offer a platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to share innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development as well as feature panel discussions and presentations covering various sub-themes, which would later be presented.

Regarding the CSR corporate awards, Mr Ngakayagae said they aimed to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of organisations in driving socio-economic development within communities.

“It recognises outstanding services, community projects, and programmes that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and involvement in integrating ethical values and respecting individuals, communities, and the environment,” said Mr Ngakayagae.

He said the awards inspired organisations to excel in their CSR efforts, promote sustainable practices, and recognise those making a positive impact on society, the environment, and individuals’ well-being.

Additionally, Mr Ngakayagae said they also served as benchmarks for best practices, encouraging continuous improvement in CSR and fostering a culture of corporate citizenship and social responsibility in Botswana

Sharing the same sentiments, CSI concepts special projects manager, Ms Olivia Nthoi indicated that nations lived in the period of the Anthropocene, characterised by significant human impact on the earth’s geology and ecosystems and therefore, underscored the urgency for CSR in the developing world.

Ms Nthoi said businesses played a pivotal role in mitigating environmental degradation and fostering sustainable development hence it was important that people shaped the planet future.

She said in the developing world where rapid industrialisation and resource extraction often occured, the need for responsible corporate practices was particularly acute, adding that CSR initiatives could address pressing issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and social equity, thereby promoting inclusive growth and resilience.

By integrating CSR into their operations, companies can contribute to the well-being of communities, enhance environmental stewardship, and build long-term trust and legitimacy, Ms Nthoi said.

“Embracing CSR in the developing world is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for fostering sustainable and equitable development amidst the challenges of the Anthropocene,” she said.

Ms Nthoi highlighted that through the event, participants would gain insights into cutting-edge global and local CSR practices and techniques, adding that the conference offered a platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to share innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. 

Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame will officiate at the conference, which  would be held under the theme: Transforming Business Strategies by Integrating CSR Objectives into Core Operations Through Innovation, and Forging Impactful Partnerships for Sustainable Growth. Ends