GE Greens the London Olympics; Sanofi Fights Malaria in Africa

Postado por Filipa Lelé

McGraw-Hill Supports Sustainability Education; FIFA Fights AIDS in South Africa

Postado por Filipa Lelé

CSR Minute: UPS Flies Food Relief to Africa

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Corporate Social Responsibility in Sub-Saharan Africa: Can Companies Economically Benefit while Helping the Society?

“Conclusion

This study has shown that some of the global players do conduct effective CSR that is creating shared value for the company and the society. As illustrated by the in-depth case studies, the CSR projects of highly ranked companies are more prone to help both the companies' and the societies' interests than the CSR projects of companies ranked low. Therefore, it can be argued in spite of the statistically inconclusive results that the link between the guidelines set up by Porter and Kramer and the effectiveness of CSR projects in reality seems to be valid. Also, the case studies provide insights into which kinds of benefits the respective companies might be

gaining from their CSR projects.

The clear connection between effective CSR and R&D needs further research, and might be an indication for the desirability of aligning a company's CSR with the kamework in this study.

These results can be helpful in determining the costs and benefits each stakeholder in a CSR project has. However, as mentioned at several points in this paper, additional research needs to be conducted in order to provide more comprehensive information.”

Conclusão de tese de mestrado de Melanie Zorn, John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations, "Corporate Social Responsibility in Sub-Saharan Africa: Can Companies Economically Benefit while Helping the Society?"

Pode ser consultada em http://domapp01.shu.edu/depts/uc/apps/libraryrepository.nsf/resourceid/24D857850D86AC4F852575F20055D817/$File/Zorn-Melanie-M_Masters.PDF?Open

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Deutsche Bank establishes Middle East Foundation

"Deutsche Bank today announced the establishment of the "Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation," an initiative focused on advancing the Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in the region.

The announcement came during the opening of Deutsche Bank's "Bauhaus" art exhibition at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), hosted by Dr. Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, and His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the DIFC and Vice Chairman of the UAECentral Bank.

The Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation is the latest initiative to join the family of the Bank's foundations in Asia, Africa and the Americas. In addition, Deutsche Bank has active CSR programs across Europe and the UK.

Dr. Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, said: "Our decision to establish the Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation stems from our deep-seated belief in the necessity of companies contributing to the societies in which they operate. Our commitment today reflects a strong and long-standing commitment to the Middle East and its people, and our desire to positively contribute to shaping its future, and in turn, our own."

HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman said: " The Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation is an excellent CSR initiative that can serve as a model for other organisations in the region. DIFC is keen to support CSR initiatives based on our firm belief that adopting CSR principles significantly enhances the sustainability of the business. Making CSR an integral part of corporate policies and strategies makes excellent business sense. We look forward to working with Deutsche Bank to advance CSR in the region."

The Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation will focus on funding investments in education, community development, sustainability, and volunteering in the Middle East North Africa region.

Henry Azzam, Deutsche Bank's CEO in the Middle East and North Africa, said "We are very pleased to establish the Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation as a stepping stone for an active regional CSR program. Our aim goes beyond a mere financial commitment; we want to build social capital by creating opportunities, fostering talent and ensuring long-term viability in the region."

During his speech, Dr. Ackermann pointed out that Deutsche Bank's Bauhaus art exhibition in DIFC marked the first step in the Bank's regional efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility.

The exhibition was inaugurated on the occasion of the DIFC Week in collaboration with DIFC and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and marks the first time Deutsche Bank has publicly exhibited its art collection in the Middle East. Some of these valuable pieces are normally shown only in the Frankfurt head office of the Bank.

The Bauhaus school was established between 1919 and 1933 in Germany and existed as a new form of an art academy. Artistically it emerged from important predecessors in Austria, the Netherlands and Russia following a completely new perception of beauty based on simplicity and functionality leading to a new form of non-figurative art. Almost all famous teachers of the Bauhaus school are included in the exhibition: Max Bill, Lyonel Feininger, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Oskar Schlemmer and as representatives of the students' generation Josef Albers and Fritz Winter. The importance of prints as a medium in this context is reflected especially well in the pieces chosen for this exhibition and references to the focus of the Deutsche Bank Collection - works on paper."

Notícia de 23-11-2008, retirada de http://www.ameinfo.com/176695.html

Postada por Filipa Lelé

Deutsche Bank

Charity Trading Day raises R1.2 million

November 16, 2011 │ South Africa

At this year’s Charity Trading Day in South Africa on November 16, 1.2 million rand (c. 110,000 euros) were raised with client support. The main beneficiary Teach SA receives 400,000 rand. The remaining funds will be distributed to Deutsche Bank Africa Foundation projects.

Since 2000, Deutsche Bank has held a Charity Trading Day in South Africa every year. The commission from this year´s charity trading day, in the amount of 1.2 million rand, will be distributed to Deutsche Bank Africa Foundation projects, supporting vulnerable communities through education, art and social investment.

The key beneficiary is Teach SA who will receive 400,000 rand. Teach SA assists with recruitment, training and supporting the most talented recent university graduates to commit to teaching for a minimum of two years in some of South Africa's most disadvantaged schools. To strengthen the ties between high achievers and society, top university graduates work for two years in township schools. In its first year, TEACH began with 75 positions, which attracted more than 100 applicants.

Retirado de http://www.db.com/csr/en/social_investments/charity_trading_day_in_south_africa.html

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Deutsche Bank

Help for East Africa: Donations amount to nearly 1 million euros

November 1, 2011 │ Frankfurt

Deutsche Bank, its foundations, staff and clients make donations of almost 1 million euros for East Africa.

In light of the devastating drought and famine in East Africa, Deutsche Bank decided to make a corporate donation of half a million euros in favour of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).The bank’s initial donation to UNICEF amounted to 250.000 euros. In addition, Deutsche Bank matched all donations made by employees and clients that were booked against the respective local accounts of Deutsche Bank and its foundations. For this purpose the bank had reserved another 250.000 euros.

As per November 1, 2011, donations made by staff and clients have surpassed the amount of 400.000 euros. Total donations of Deutsche Bank, its foundations, staff and clients now amount to almost 1 million euros.

All donations are used for urgent relief in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Retirado de http://www.db.com/csr/en/social_investments/help_for_east_africa.html

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Deutsche Bank and Corporate Social Responsibility: more than money

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Fan Milk reiterates commitment to improved product

"Fan Milk Nigeria Plc has restated its commitment to ensuring affordable and quality dairy products for the Nigerian market, even as the company is marking its 50 years of operations in Nigeria.

According to the company, it will continually ensure that the average Nigerian has access to quality milk products.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Steen Hadsbjerg, said the company, which was set up in 1961, was envisioned to help every African get access to affordable but qualitative and nutritious dairy products.

He said with the factory of the company situated in Ibadan, Fan Milk has distribution offices covering the entire geographical span of Nigeria.

“We take serious pride in what we do. As one of Nigeria’s oldest companies we have maintained a good relationship with all government agencies and have ensured that our business practices are world standard and in line with the laws of the land.

“Our 50 years of operations has witnessed substantial development for us as a company. Most of our raw materials are sourced here in Nigeria and I must say that as a company that focuses on quality, we do get quality raw materials locally,” he noted.

Hadsbjerg also described Fan Milk as a socially responsible organization and he highlighted some of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes which includes road and street beautification projects, effective water management programme and its charitable initiatives towards orphanages.

He continued, “Fan Milk which believes in maintaining a safe working environment for its employees has over 7,500 direct and trade staff all over the country. The company currently runs one of the best human capacity development programmes in the country and this is why its expatriate ratio is very low compared to others.

“We recruit our staff, fresh from Nigerian universities and send them for training, most especially those in engineering. We spend years and a lot of resources to ensure that they acquire world class skills and practices before they come back to Nigeria.”"

Notícia de 15-12-2011, pode ser em consultada em http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/fan-milk-reiterates-commitment-to-improved-product/

Mais um exemplo de RSE de uma empresa africana a ajudar o seu país.

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Social Innovation: Yingli Energy, Chinese Solar Panel Company Flies The Flag For The 2014 World Cup

"Football becomes green through its social innovation association with one of its sponsors - Yingli Energy, a Chinese solar panel company that will be part of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Yingli Energy has once again decided to become the World Cup's first renewable energy partner and help sponsor the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It will stand alongside big, famous brands such as Coke, McDonald's, Castrol and Budweiser. It is also the Cup's only Chinese sponsor.

Darren Thompson, Managing Director of Yingli Energy, says, "Football is one of the most popular global sports. It cuts across all corners of the world, and all socio-economic groups." Apart from its World Cup connection, the company is also renewable energy partner of the national football federation, US Soccer; German football club team, Bayern Munich; and NFL American Football team the New York Jets. Football helps to raise the profile of Yingli's brand, which enables this social innovation company to reach other countries in Africa and South America where it could make a difference to energy supply problems.

The World Cup signing with Yingli was a key part of its corporate social responsibility and social innovation programme. At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, FIFA (official organisers of the World Cup) first introduced a green concept, around fuel, transportation, waste management and recycling.

In fact, as part of Yingli's own work in Africa, it provided solar panels for a FIFA scheme called "Football for Hope," which provided soccer centres in 20 disadvantaged communities in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Yingli provided the social innovation photovoltaic systems (solar panels composed of a number of solar cells) to the centres, which are used to provide power for pitch floodlighting, laptops, light bulbs, desktop fans, ceiling fans and air conditioning. Yingli is now approaching stadiums in Brazil to see whether it can provide green solar panels for electricity, not just for the World Cup, but as a legacy for the future.

The work of Yingli does not just stop here as this year it created a philanthropic partnership with GRID Alternatives, a not-for-profit solar installer providing renewable energy, energy efficiency services, equipment and training to communities in need in California, U.S. Yingli is working with them to install 1 MW of solar energy systems for 400 low-income families across the state in 2011. These solar projects will generate $10 million worth of renewable energy while eliminating 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, the projects will provide hands-on job training in solar PV installation to thousands of individuals looking to enter the solar workforce. The work of Yingli is a world leader in social innovation and solar energy: a rich mix for the future."

Notícia do dia 02-12-2011, pode ser consultada em http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation-Yingli-Energy-Chinese-Solar-Panel-Company-Flies-Flag-for-2014-World-Cup/50895.html

E ainda há quem diga que a China nunca será uma potência mundial. Compraram dívidas de inúmeros países, são milhões, têm um exército imenso, um poder económico inimaginável e estão agora a entrar em actividades e estratégias de marketing típicas de países ocidentais desenvolvidos. É assustador, mas eles chegaram para ficar e dominar.

Postado por Filipa Lelé

African Democracies are Indeed Tragic – Corruption – XXX

"So much for the judiciary that the executive and the legislature cannot be left out of any issue bordering on corruption. In 2009, a sitting Member Of Parliament, P.C. Appiah-Ofori (NPP Breman-Asikuma) accused his colleagues of receiving US$5000 in bribes before approving the sales of the national telecommunication provider – Ghana Telecom – to the UK-based Vodafone. The then Minority NDC in Parliament, urged on by a large section of Ghanaians, strongly opposed the sale, on grounds among others, that the sale was shrouded in secrecy, fraught with irregularities, ignored time-honored procedures, contravened the laws of Ghana, did not guarantee value for money, therefore, was not in the strategic interest of Ghana.

The whole transaction, from its commencement, was highly contentious, attracting protests and counter protests from pro-sales and anti-sales groups. For anti-sales demonstrators, it was one of the only surviving national assets with telephone lines spread across the country, offering employment to thousands of Ghanaians. The contention provided the platform for the so-called capitalists and the socialist to once again lock horns to contest their ideological differences. The most striking line of argument from the anti-sales group was not actually the ideological inclination; rather it was the fact that telecommunication around the globe today has become a powerful source of income for both private and public sector companies with investments in telecommunication.

...

But what economic sense does it make when the assets of the company, the pro-sales protestors argued, are outmoded, unable to face up to the stiff market competition from private operators who have entered the Ghanaian telecommunications market. Obviously, the company needed new technologies and proper management both of which required investments government was unable to provide. Interestingly, one of the pro-sales groups was made up of employees of the company. As the case normally is, opposition or minority groups can have their say but not their way. Therefore, in the final analysis, the company was offloaded to the UK-based Vodafone. A year down the line, the company began a restructuring exercise and interestingly, the axe fell on some of the individuals who were advocates for divestiture of the company. Perhaps they were under the false impression that their positions were hedged or girded by their open support for the divestiture of the company, since it was going to be sold anyway.

...

Interestingly, the Committee concluded that it did not have the POWERS and the RESOURCES to investigate the claims of fraud and corruption and, therefore, refrained from making findings on these specific allegations.

...

To encapsulate the rest of the transaction into two aspects that question the credibility of the new government and its commitment in fighting corruption as we have seen in the Mwai Kibaki case, firstly, the Committee found out that the 70% stake offloaded to Vodafone could have been sold for more than US $900million, which Vodafone paid to the Ghana government, especially when Telekom South Africa offered US$947 million for a lower stake of 66.67%. The foregoing, coupled with executive interference in the sale, with the former President, John Kufuor, being the principal negotiator who agreed on the transaction price, technical considerations and the underlying legal assumptions of the Vodafone offer, were irregular and raises questions of institutional capacity of anti-corruption institutions such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in a democracy such as Ghana’s to spot and deal with these glaring breaches by the president for personal aggrandizement and probably gain.

Secondly and most interestingly, the government’s waiver of any legal proceedings that may be brought against the new owners of the company relating to the period prior to the closing, thus including the proceedings involving the sales, may only pass as hedging a crime. There are many other aspects of the transaction that equally raise worrying questions about the integrity of those in charge of the national purse and direction of state policy.

...

With corruption binding the elite in many African countries including Ghana, it is unimaginable to think that they would be held accountable for their deeds. After all, if even the President is a recipient of kickbacks, and a major player in some of these underhand dealings, who would have the guts to proffer charges against his underlings, and before which courts or judges? But from the Watergate scandals and the resignation of Richard Nixon to the modern-day trial and conviction of the former Israeli president, Moshe Katsav, and the recent charges against Silvio Berlusconi, retribution is definitely an inbuilt mechanism within democracies by which they remove the cancerous parts which may threaten its very existence – no matter your social or political standing, every citizen is just as answerable for their actions.

Up to a point, in other countries, corruption has been tolerated as a “cost of doing business.” In Africa, it has had no positive features at all. The stern Tanzania founder, Julius Nyerere, near the end of his life, was said to be fond of telling in a well-worn tale of the difference between Asian and African corruption: The story began with an African minister who visited a colleague in Asia and was impressed by the man’s lavish home. “How did you afford all this on a minister’s salary?” he asked. Pointing through his living room window, his host said: “Do you see the large bridge in the distance?” “Yes,” replied the African. “Well part of its budget came my way,” the Asian explained. The next year, reciprocating the visit, the Asian minister asked the same question. “Do you see that road down in the valley?” asked the African. “No,” he replied. “I see nothing.” “Exactly,” explained the African. “I financed this house instead.”

This is your Africa; it is mine; and it is ours! We have a responsibility to make it better."

Dia 16-12-2011, pode ser consultada por inteiro em http://opinion.myjoyonline.com/pages/feature/201112/78285.php

Excertos de uma opinião que recomenda vivamente que seja lida por inteiro!

A corrupção é um fenómeno que assola não só os países africanos mas também o nosso. É revoltante pensar que por ganância de alguns todos saem a perder e nações inteiras são estagnadas.


Postado por Filipa Lelé

'Tis the season to give

"FROM a supermarket to shopping outfits, the desire to bring joy to the less privileged during the festive season is palpable. Some companies are chipping in to help the needy, and are roping in their customers to make Christmas a meaningful time for everyone.

Take household name NTUC FairPrice. Every November and December, it rallies its customers to join them in its two signature corporate social responsibility events.

In its flagship Share-A-Textbook programme, which started in 1983, FairPrice invites the public to donate their old textbooks to needy students.

Ms Angela Soo, director for corporate communications at NTUC FairPrice, says: "We know that providing for children's educational needs are as important as providing for their meals.

We hope that through the FairPrice Share-ATextbook project, students from needy families will not be denied education."

To date, more than two million textbooks have been collected, helping nearly 153,000 needy students.

The local supermarket chain also works hand in hand with the Boys' Brigade on the latter's annual Share-A-Gift Programme.

Says Ms Soo: "Our participation in this initiative for the past 11 years is part of our commitment towards helping the poor and needy as well as to promote community bonding and nation building."

From now to Dec 20, the public can donate gifts and essential household items, such as rice and oil, to needy families at 14 FairPrice stores.

Three of the stores - Ang Mo Kio HUB, Jurong Point and nex Mall - will also host wish trees containing specific wishes of children, the elderly, families, and special needs individuals.

An online donation platform is also available at www.FairPrice.com.sg, where donors can buy hampers containing a variety of basic necessities, to contribute to the project.

FairPrice will provide free delivery of these items to the Boys Brigade, which aims to bring cheer to some 29,000 beneficiaries. It is also donating yet another $50,000 towards the charity campaign this year.

Meanwhile, Swedish home furnishings store Ikea Singapore is helping less fortunate children in other parts of the world.

Since 2009, it has been participating in the Soft Toy Campaign organised by the Ikea Foundation, which funds education programmes supported by Unicef and Save the Children.

In this year's campaign, which ends on Dec 24, about $1.76 for every soft toy or chicken nuggets kids' meal bought will be donated to the charitable organisations.

Last year, Ikea Singapore sold nearly 47,000 soft toys at the Ikea Tampines and Alexandra stores, garnering about $133,552 from the total campaign sales.

Ms Irene Lau, Ikea's regional marketing manager, says: "Ikea believes that all children should have access to a quality basic education.

With funds collected from the Soft Toy Campaign, Ikea aims to better the lives of children in disadvantaged communities in Asia, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe."

Ikea Singapore also supports the campaign through its own initiative known as Smales.

It is a programme for kids aged four to 10, in which they can earn småles points through activities. The children can do their bit for the Soft Toy Campaign by using their points to redeem a soft toy. For every toy redeemed, $2 will be donated to Unicef Malaysia."

Notícia do dia 16-12-2011, pode ser consultada em http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111216-316602.html

A época Natalícia traz, à maioria das pessoas, o desejo de dar, de ajudar os mais necessitados. O mesmo acontece com as empresas. Se é apenas uma estratégia de marketing ou vontade de contribuir para um mundo mais equitativo nunca se sabe muito bem, mas, se o resultado forem crianças mais felizes, parece-me que o saldo final é bastante positivo.

Postado por Filipa Lelé

Making Mines Work Harder – Resource Nationalism Trends In Africa

"Despite the fact that Africa is resource rich many African countries are still struggling with the after effects of the 2008 global financial crisis and, with some notable exceptions like Botswana, much of its population has seen limited benefits of resource development to date. Within this environment, and as in many emerging economies, African governments have come under increasing pressure to ensure that the wealth derived from their natural resources is more broadly distributed to the benefit of the general population.

Africa is on the cusp of, or arguably already in, another resources boom and this, together with the fact that the resources sector has made a relatively quick recovery from the credit crisis, has made the mining sector an attractive prospect for governments seeking to restore or improve treasury conditions, or both.

The year 2011 saw many countries actively taking steps to increase the benefits they derive from their natural resources. In a number of African jurisdictions these steps have increased the level of uncertainty in doing business and highlighted issues of nationalisation and transparency. What remains as an underlying principle however, is that countries’ natural resources should be used for the greater benefit of their people.

...

Continued global emphasis on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development has provided governments also with an opportunity to incorporate frameworks for community and social benefits, including local procurement, into their efforts to increase the benefits of resource development. The continued emphasis by governments on mining companies providing directly social benefits to affected communities and regions reflects a general view that simply increasing government participation and taxes does not always equate with immediate additional benefit for the local communities affected."

Extracto de notícia de Novembro de 2011, pode ser consultada em http://www.whoswholegal.com/news/features/article/29397/making-mines-work-harder-8211-resource-nationalism-trends-africa/

De acordo com esta notícia, existem evidências de que os governos africanos têm preocupações crescentes com o bem estar dos seus cidadãos. Na defesa dos seus direitos, procuram melhores contratos com as empresas estrangeiras estabelecidas nos seus países. O autor sugere que este tipo de atitudes é em parte inspirado pelas acções de RSE levadas a cabo em África.

Postado por Filipa Lelé