The “Champions of Sustainability” accolades were awarded for the fourth time to companies that, with their operations and projects, directly contribute to the sustainable development goals defined in the 2030 Agenda
The recognition award was organized as part of this year’s CSR&ESG Forum, which brought together experts for sustainable development and socially responsible business to present current solutions and trends in these areas, while the emphasis of the conference was on inclusion, as well as on environmental standards and social and management issues. (ESG) and sustainable development goals.
The award “Champions of Sustainability”, awarded by the Forum for Responsible Business, aims to recognize and promote projects that respond to global challenges and offer concrete solutions. This year, awards were given to the following companies for the mentioned projects:
- Atlantic Grupa, “Smoki project”, for contribution to sub-goal 12.2 – Sustainable management of natural resources.
- Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, project “Advertising without prejudice”, for contribution to sub-goal 5.1 – Gender equality and elimination of discrimination.
- Delhaize Serbia, project “MAXI educational school caravan “Healthy food every day”, for contribution to sub-goal 4.7 – Education for sustainable development.
- ERSTE Bank, project “Action against climate change and its consequences”, for contribution to sub-goal 13.1 – Reducing the risk of climate disasters.
- Heineken Serbia, “Reservoir” project, for contribution to sub-goal 6.4 – Efficient use of water in industry.
- LIDL Serbia, project “Food for a better tomorrow”, for contribution to sub-goal 12.8 – Sustainable lifestyle and information.
- NELT Co, project “Strategic partnership with UNICEF to empower children and youth in the 21st century”, for contribution to sub-goal 4.4 – Skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
- Nestlé Adriatic S, project “Implementation of regenerative agriculture at domestic suppliers”, for contribution to sub-goal 2.4 – Sustainable food production systems.
- NLB Komercijalna banka, “NLB Organic competition” project, for contribution to sub-goal 12.6 – Promotion of sustainable business practices.
- OTP Banka Srbija, “OTP Village” project, for contribution to sub-goal 13.3 – Education, awareness and capacities to combat climate change.
- Telekom Srbija, “Children’s world bigger than the screen” project, for contribution to sub-goal 4.2 – Early childhood education.
These recognitions are a confirmation of the companies’ commitment to sustainable development and their role in creating a better future for all.
One of the plenary sessions of the conference was dedicated to ESG factors in business, offering insight into the latest trends, opportunities and obligations for companies. Round tables dedicated to the goals of sustainable development from the perspective of different sectors were also held within the conference.
The CSR&ESG Forum, which is organized by the Forum for Responsible Business and the Smart Collective, was realized as part of the project „Posao po meri: Ekonomsko osnaživanje osoba sa invaliditetom“, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented by the Forum of Youth with Disabilities. Other partners in the project are Caritas of Serbia, Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, Smart Collective and the Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities of Serbia. Support was also provided by the platform „Održivi razvoj za sve“ funded by the governments of Switzerland and Germany, and implemented by the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ). Friends of the conference are Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, Elixir Group and Maxi, while media partners are BizLife, Održi me, Nova ekonomija, Diplomacy & Commerce, In Store and Daily Green.