INNOTECH REPORTS OUTCOME OF REGIONAL CSR WORKSHOP AT 2013 CDM

SEAMEO INNOTECH presented the outcome of the regional workshop on Corporate Social Responsibility before the heads and key officials of SEAMEO’s 20 regional centers at the annual Center Directors Meeting, which is being held at the Bangkok Marriot Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand from 01 to 03 July.

Mr. Benito E. Benoza, manager of SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Knowledge Management and Networking Office, reported on the result of the SEAMEO-sponsored activity, titled “Co-Creating Shared Value for SEAMEO Centers and the Region: Conversations on Corporate Social Responsibility.” The Center facilitated the workshop late in May 2013, in partnership with the SEAMEO Secretariat (SEAMES).

The workshop was the result of an agreement during last year’s CDM and was identified as one of the key priority initiatives under the SEAMEO Strategic Plan. It primarily aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of various CSR strategies and initiatives that SEAMEO Centers can adapt.

One of the workshop’s recommendations was for SEAMEO Centers to embed and integrate social responsibilities in their vision, mission and strategic goals. It was stressed that SEAMEO Centers should be true to their mandates and mobilize their staff to execute socially responsible projects. Replication of successful socially responsible projects was also highly recommended.

The presentation of the workshop’s output at the CDM this year is an initial step towards the adoption of the recommendations made during the workshop. The recommendations will then be presented at the High Officials Meeting then at the SEAMEO Council Conference for approval and adoption.