Issue 6 - Insights on CSR in South America | Magazine | Global Partner Network: Corporate Social Responsibility

Issue 6 - Insights on CSR in South America

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With a wealth of CSR activity amongst out South American partners and throughout the continent, we have chosen to focus on the Changing Landscape of CSR in this region for this our sixth issue.

We start in vibrant Sao Paulo, where Cambridge University Press are supporting the UK Government Funded scheme, The Prime Minsister’s Global Fellowship (LINK). Designed by the British Council, we learn, from Joao Madureira, Director Brazil Branch, how CUP in Brazil is opening its doors to young people from the UK to experience first-hand the drive, energy and competitiveness of the major countries of the new global economy.

On their return all Fellows automatically become part of a network of active globally-minded young people in England with a role sharing their experiences and learning on local and national platforms, to raise awareness of global issues. CUP is one of several supporting global businesses which enable the corporate phases of the scheme to be delivered making this programme truly unique.

From Brazil we travel South across the Pampas and into Cordoba, Argentina and where Alicia Rolando, co-founder, President, and Research and Development Director of IARSE – CSR360 GPN partners provides an overview of the developments of CSR in her country. She notes that despite the economic downturn, she has been surprised that the number of companies engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility activities has not decreased. Instead more focus has been given to programmes that generate active participation of the organisation and that combine both business interests and society needs.

Now we cross the Andes and hear how CSR is seen in Chile by Maia Seeger CEO of SustentaRSE. Maia explains the shift over the last 10 years from philanthropic CSR to a broader, more strategic concern with aligning business interests with societies concerns; the protection of the rainforests in Patagonia for instance.

Also in Chile, we hear about an amazing enterprise development project that Global Mining Company, Anglo American is developing in the region. Find out how by identifying small business development as a tool to help reduce income inequality and poverty, Anglo American is making a lasting difference to local communities in Chile.

Moving north to Ecuador, Roberto Salazar, CEO of S2M Foundation takes us on a journey through the country’s history and the changing place of CSR within it. Significant developments have taken plave in the 21st Century, and Roberto sees a bright future.

And finally, for a lighter read David takes you on a fascinating tour of some of the world’s finest Art exhibitions – one of the perks of foreign travel!