The President at the Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy

Bled, 16.5.2011  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Danilo Türk took part in the Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy for Eastern Europe, held with the support of the American Clinton Global Initiative organisation and in cooperation with the French Institution Forum d’Actions Modernités. In his address, President Türk talked about the importance of the initiative of former US President Bill Clinton supporting different events aimed at combining a healthy profit motive and progressive social causes.

President Türk recalled that until recently, corporate social responsibility was not a particularly popular topic for discussion. However, a realisation that social endeavours are important and that corporations must give them due consideration has lately been gaining ground. He pointed to the United Nations’ declaration of the Millennium Development Goals, which address the most basic human needs, such as health and food, and which present a challenge to states and corporations alike. The President also mentioned the Global Compact initiative of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, which encourages business leaders to join socially beneficial activities without waiting for the initiative on the part of the public or state.

As one of the challenges of the present day, Dr Türk mentioned the problem of employment and creating opportunities for young people at a time of numerous global and economic changes, a time when the innovations we need are not only technological but also lie in the areas of business management and social organisation. He pointed out that states alone cannot implement all these without the cooperation of business communities and civil society. According to President Türk, these efforts should not be limited to local environments but should have a global dimension.

Dr Türk emphasised in particular the area of the so-called New Europe, which covers a broad, diverse and dynamic area between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. He added that this area needs genuine innovation and noted that this is already taking place. President Türk also issued a call to join efforts in different areas such as services, assistance for young people, new technologies and the environment, believing that an important role in this regard is also played by the media.