06/07/2023

The CSR Forum, which was established by representatives of various sectors, is a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation on the topic of state policy promoting CSR.

The mission of the forum is to lead the dialogue of stakeholders on the issues of corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Georgia and to promote the establishment of a political and institutional environment supporting responsible business activities for the country's sustainable development and European integration. The activities of the Forum are carried out by convening periodic sessions and through a permanent Council and Secretariat, as well as through temporary working groups.

The Forum defines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a company's responsibility for the impact that its decisions and activities have on the natural environment, economic systems, and people, i.e. its employees, customers, suppliers, partners, local communities, and society in general. Corporate social responsibility is the voluntary commitment of businesses to meet higher international standards of responsible and sustainable business activity than those imposed by law.

The working meeting of the forum was attended by representatives of 40 different civil and international organizations, business associations, educational/academic institutions, and the state sector. They discussed the opportunities and steps to be taken in Georgia toward the development of CSR and the creation of an environment conducive to it.

At the meeting, Georgian and European experts presented, who are working on the recommendations and advocacy of the state framework policy promoting CSR:

- Audronė Alijošiutė-Paulauskienė, Lithuanian Responsible Business Association (LAVA), Managing Director

- Catherine Heaney, CSR Stakeholder Forum Ireland, Chairperson

- Davit Maisuradze, Associate Professor, Director of Corporate and Commercial Centre, at Ilia State University

- Giorgi Papava, Lead Economist and Head of Private Sector Development Research Center at ISET Policy Institute

The presentations were followed by a discussion, in which the invited stakeholders participated. During the discussion, many interesting opinions and initiatives were expressed, which will be taken into account when planning the next steps.

The CSR Forum was established by #CSRDG, within the framework of the project 'Civil Society Initiative', with the support of the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. European Union in Georgia Civil Society STAR Initiative