Following its recent strategic partnership with global sustainability consultants Corporate Citizenship, V+O COMMUNICATION held, on Thursday April 7 2011 at Hilton Athens, the event: “The Journey from Philanthropy to Sustainability”
Key note speakers at the event, attended by more than 60 specialized executives of major Greek and multinational companies and institutions, were: Mr. Thomas Varvitsiotis, President of V+O COMMUNICATION, Mrs. Amanda Jordan, Co-Chair & Founding Director of Corporate Citizenship, Mrs. Rena Koumandou, Director of SEV Business Council of sustainable Development & Vice President of the Greek CSR Network and Mr. Andrew Wilson, Director of Corporate Citizenship
Mr. Varvitsiotis addressed the new role that businesses have to play today and also their relations with the community. He noted that "the relations of the businesses with their stakeholders are tested daily. Therefore viable solutions are necessary and not just communication techniques. Citizens require from businesses sincerity, authenticity, credibility and self-criticism. The Greek business community has begun to realize the importance of sustainable development, not only as an expression of its responsibility towards the society, but also as the main factor defining its survival in the future.
Mrs. Rena Koumandou, drew from her extensive experience of the Greek market to address the audience and stated amongst others that: "Greek businesses while recognizing that sustainable business does not have a significant contribution to their development yet, nevertheless they believe that this kind of business activities can be a powerful tool for their growth both locally and internationally.
Mr. Andrew Wilson, presented the transition from philanthropy to social investment by analyzing specific case studies of international companies and organizations. He concluded his presentation by referring to the benefits of social investment both for the companies involved and the society as a whole.
Mrs. Amanda Jordan presented the thinking process thought which sustainable development strategy is formulated and analyzed the steps that ultimately lead to business sustainability, using specific examples of large multinational companies.
Finally, Mr. Varvitsiotis referred to the new partnership and noted that V+O & Corporate Citizenship share the same philosophy and a common vision regarding sustainable development. He also expressed his belief that this cooperation will provide added value services in the sector and will also provide a new perspective on how the Greek business community perceives sustainability issues in order to guide them through a gradual alignment of their business strategy with policies and practices of sustainable development.
See also : V+O invests on sustainable development by establishing partnership with global sustainability consultants Corporate Citizenship - 21/03/2011
