WIC10 - Plenary 2
Annual Conferences, 17/08/2010
Featured panelists discussed the future challenges companies face in terms of Sustainability, Profitability, Environmental and Social Responsibility and Social Inclusion
This morning, the second and third Plenary Sessions of the XV WAIPA World Investment Conference 2010 took place at the Four Seasons Hotel.
During the Second Plenary Session entitled "New Trends in Business Models: Between Sustainability and
Profitability" outstanding national and international speakers with great experience, spoke on the various factors that contribute to sustainable development investment in the current economic and challenges required to successfully balance corporate profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
The panelists agreed on the need to create clear laws and universal rules for the corporate sector about how to carry out its actions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Care and time that each country needs to supplement local specific. The panelists stressed also that governments should create greater incentives and public policies to define regulations especially for SMEs, as they represent 70 percent within the global economy.
Another issue highlighted was the importance to achieve the ideal of 'Efficient and Sustainable Enterprise' and achieve profitable business models in the medium and long term, companies should encourage the development
of human capital, be closely associated with different actions CSR, as well as respecting the environment and the values and cultures of the communities in which they operate.
Jacqueline Chimhanzi, head of Strategy and Innovation at “Deloitte” South Africa, noted that "beyond the main purpose of business is to be profitable, the future challenges they will face in the new scenarios require new models of thought and high efficiency as for ongoing innovation and social inclusion". She added that in South Africa, her country of origin, "the focus must also be the inclusion of women in the labor market, since currently most of the female population is excluded from the system".
As Vanessa Araujo, Director of the “Brazilian Cosmetics Kapeh”, companies "who will be at the forefront and obtain optimal benefits will be profitable in its DNA, attitudes and practices that minimize significant adverse impacts both socially and environmentally, as do not generate large costs and achieve truly sustainable development"
For his part, one of the most successful entrepreneurs from Argentina, Marcos Galperin, CEO of “Mercado
Libre”, firm that in 2009 moved into their 1700 platform billion in transactions, said: "Our activity does not have a negative environmental impact and generates many and good jobs. Moreover, the government has supported and worked closely with the industry, which has enabled us to achieve sustained growth". Galperin also told employees on their own initiative established a Volunteer Program "to help the community in various ways during working hours. This type of action that are generated from the bottom up in the corporate structure, are very powerful and positive" she concluded.
Instead Max Coll, Manager Liaison of “Futuro Forestal”, said his company's philosophy is to "believe in an economy that balances reconstructive human needs with environmental ones. We make, in this sense, a reforestation with more sustainable production patterns, with lower land costs so it can regenerate and maintain its biodiversity. This would not only preserve the environment, but engage in production and motivate local communities to investors and the company as a whole".
Finally Lorenzo Mari “Intersviluppo” President of the NGO and an external consultant of the Italian government agency “lifelonglearning” added that at this time sustainability is based on education for all market players. It is a key factor in achieving profitability, social inclusion and having the best human capital, because companies should never forget who they are and will be, resulting from the actions of men who make them up".
Message from the President
Mr. Alessandro TeixeiraApexBrasil, Brasil
The world witnessed numerous changeups and curveballs in the financial markets over the past months.The rise of new development partners – emerging markets that are channeling billions of dollars to developing countries – has opened possibilities for fresh ideas and resources as well as helped sustain inclusive economic growth.
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