As we are wrapping up 2016, many thoughts came through our minds. We achieved much in 2016 and this is possible only simply because of your support. Here are some of the main highlights which we would like to share with you. Come 2017, we look forward to your continued support in our journey to promote responsible business.
Highlights
1) ASEAN Accreditation
ACN was proud to be ASEAN ACCREDITED under Annexe 2 of the ASEAN Constitution. This was a milestone for ACN as we work closer with ASEAN and businesses and other stakeholders in ASEAN. ACN is registered as a company limited by guarantee and an INTERNATIONAL CHARITABLE ORGANISATION in Singapore.
2) ASEAN 10 Year Work Plan
CSR and responsible business are well featured in ASEAN’s next 10 year work plan, ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together. On 24 and 25 Nov, a workshop was held in Jakarta with the ASEAN Secretariat, Bodies, Entities with UNIDO and Oxfam to understand CSR better and explore better collaboration to achieve the goals of CSR and ASEAN.
3) Joint Briefing and Planning Workshop on Implementing the ASEAN Agenda on Responsible Business 24 - 25 Nov 2016
The objective of this 1.5 day briefing and planning WORKSHOP was to provide ASEAN officers a better understanding of CSR based on international standards and norms, and for partners to understand ASEAN’s priorities better. It also provided a venue for exploring cooperation and collaboration in promoting CSR.
4) AICHR Seminar on promoting CSR and Human Rights 3 - 4 Nov 2016
This was HELD in Singapore and was attended by more than 130 participants from ASEAN countries and beyond. This included government officials, national human rights institutions, businesses, civil society, trade unions and academia. The outcome was a draft document on an ASEAN Regional Strategy for CSR and human rights. This document is submitted to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for endorsement. It is hoped that this strategy will pave the way for a joint effort across the region, and across sectors, to mainstream CSR and strengthen human rights in business practices in ASEAN.
5) Corporate Governance & Responsibility: Theory Meets Practice 20 - 22 July 2017
This was a high-level forum to link academia with other stakeholders including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practitioners, international and regional civil society organisations and government officials. They came together to discuss theories and practice.
6) Lauched SCOPE 20 July 2016
At the July Conference on Corporate Governance & Responsibility, Sustainability Consortium of Professionals and Educators (SCOPE) was formed. This was established by both ACN and National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School's Centre for Governance, Institutitions and Organisations (CGIO). The Consortium made up of academics and professionals to promote research, teaching and practice of sustainability and responsible business in the region. The objective would be met by activities such conferences, workshops, seminars and conduct regular research on various aspects of CSR. SCOPE’s mandate would also be to cultivate and nurture the next generation of leaders in sustainability.
7) CSR Fellowship
ACN had selected a group of 16 Fellows from 8 ASEAN Countries to participate in its inaugural ASEAN CSR Fellowship. They would be travelling to 4 countries in ASEAN over a year to study CSR issues. It will begin in Singapore in January 2017.
8) ACN embarked on new research project on access to finance for SMEs in ASEAN
In November 2016, ACN embarked on a year long research project to better understand the current landscape for SMEs in ASEAN, with regards to their access to finance and technical support, and whether there is an enabling environment for SMEs to embed and mainstream responsible business practices. Together with ACN's project partners – Oxfam, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) – ACN will also be proposing recommendations to address identified gaps and challenges. The study, along with its findings and policy recommendations, is intended for submission to the ASEAN Summit in end 2017.
9) ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour
The ASEAN Guidelines for CSR on Labour was adopted at the 24th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting in May 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This was intended to serve as a guide for governments, enterprises and establishments, employers’ and workers’ organisations to raise awareness of labour issues among enterprises and incorporate CSR, human rights and decent work into their business practices. ACN was proud to have been an active contributor to the development and promotion of the Guidelines.
Publications
The following studies were carried out by both ACN and NUS CGIO:-
Our New Office
With effect from 2 Jan 2017, our office will remain at Keppel Towers but we will shift to our new unit at #08-03 Tel 6813 9630.
If your organisation or network is interested in participating in the ASEAN CSR Network, please contact the Participating Organisation who is formalised as the convener for the network in your country. Visit the Participating Organisations page on our website for more information.
