"Philanthropy, Corporate Responsibility and Social Change: The Power of Networking"
The M6 Educational Center on June 23, 2014 held a conference titled "Philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and change-Power of Networking", whose main objective was to bring together business and NGOs in order to promote the corporate and social responsibility as a tool for businesses.
The conference was attended by a limited number of representatives from business and non-governmental organizations and of course Universities, including the University of Tourism and Management in Skopje. UTMS for this first part of a conference with such a message, and as representatives attended Saso Kozhuharov PhD, and students Ardiana Mustafa, Jane Mitreski, Emilia Dukoska and Vasil Trpcevski.
The conference had a prominent role from different profiles for the benefits and necessity of the concept of philanthropy, then corporate responsibility and social change, using the extensive experience and knowledge of the international experts, the presentation of two representatives from the business sector, NGOs and civil institutions. Also, the additional presentation of researchers and academics from the perspective of theory and statistics, the benefits and challenges of applying CSR strategies within companies. The message of the conference was of great benefit to most businesses and NGOs in Macedonia, and for this purpose had online web streaming platform, which was of great importance to establish interaction between participants.
The first part of the conference began with an address of co-director of the Institute Liberal Alternate Ennis Bajrami who welcomed the participants and also introduced the team of international experts - lecturers. Official start of the conference, the opening statement marked the German Ambassador to Macedonia Mr. Gudrun Steinacker. She stressed the importance of sharing the conference with the best international practices in the social responsibility as well as enhancing the skills and competencies of the business sector in Germany.
The first session began with a lecture lectures of Abdulmenah Bedzeti MSc, South - East European University in Skopje on "Philanthropy: Corporate citizenship and corporate social responsibility." On the same subject presentation was and Maja Saveska PhD from Harvard University.
Given the fact that philanthropy and social responsibility are not much used in practice in the context of business or in Macedonia NBO sectors, the panel addressed the pridobivnite to businesses through CSR activities and the NBO sector funds and local donors.
The second session was led by the head of airport in Skopje - TAV, Kurt Nejat, Dojranka Anastasovska representative of EVN Macedonia and Trifun Kostovski from representative Kostovski Foundation. Whose speech was concentrated on "Society responsible businesses: Sharing best practices." In this panel were presented with some examples of philanthropic activities in Macedonia. Additionally, representatives from international companies in Macedonia have declared strategies of companies and their CSR internationally and the benefits that come with them.
The third session of the conference was led by Nikica Kusinikova representative of "Global Compact Network Macedonia", which presented the activities, efforts and achievements of NGOs together with local donors through philanthropy and CSR. Also some of NBO leaders discussed the need for networking with local and international businesses as potential donors.
The conference finished up with inspirational speech co-director of the liberal Alternate Institit Orhan waiting who congratulated the participants and stressed the importance of two main groups: the business sector (both local and international presence in Macedonia), Ministry of Labour and Social policy and / or the Ministry of Economy, NGOs (non-governmental and humanitarian aid) and academics and researchers.