Albanian companies look to increase corporate social responsibility

TIRANA, Nov. 12 – Responsible business practices not only contribute to the well-being of society at large, but have long-term value for businesses themselves, according to exerts at an UNDP-organized meeting that took place this week.
Thirty-five Albanian companies got together to discuss their experiences in meeting the ten principles of the Global Compact at the meeting, which included a technical session on the requirements of reporting under this UN initiative.
The Global Compact is a voluntary initiative encourages businesses to continuously align their operations and strategy with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
Those in attendance in Tirana form part of a global alliance of more than 5,000 companies working to realize principles of corporate social responsibility.
Speaking at the meeting, UNDP Global Compact Focal Point, Arben Rama, highlighted the importance of “effective collaboration between the private sector and all other national stakeholders in realizing sustainable development in Albania.”
Reflecting on her participation, Alma Bici of Agna Group said, “We had the opportunity to learn about the progress of companies in realizing the Global Compact standards.”
Ms. Bici added that they also received practical advice on preparing the report for the Global Compact at the end of the year.
“At Agna Group we are working to implement as much as possible all ten principles of the Global Compact. Building effective communications between the other companies taking part in the initiative is helping us realize this ambition,” Ms. Bici said.
Investing in a sound environment in which to do business, to minimize risks and to harness new opportunities makes increased business sense and supports the development of emerging markets.
The United Nations Development Program in Albania, under the UN Global Compact facilitates dialogue between the private and public sector in Albania to engage the business community in all socio-economic aspects of development.