CSR Network to host National Responsible Business Summit

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe (CSRNZ) is set to host the sixth Annual Zimbabwe National Responsible Business Summit 2022 from 26 to 28 October in Victoria Falls.

The summit which will convene delegates from industry, Government and academia among others to discuss issues pertaining to Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Responsible Investment in Zimbabwe, is a route through which companies take responsibility for their actions and encourage positive impact through their activities.

CSRNZ executive director, Mr Willard Razawo said the national summit was a platform to share strategies and solutions that tackle sustainability issues and demand business leaders to show that they are leading the change to a sustainable and resilient future.

“While profit generation remains the primary function of a business, the impact of business on culture, society and the environment has been the subject of intense scrutiny in contemporary business policy and practice. The summit will allow delegates to gain insight into the private sector shift from crisis management to building long-term, sustainable growth and resilience. Delegates will explore profit-with-purpose approaches and action needed to accelerate a global green recovery.

While also getting to understand how the mainstreaming of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues is influencing business decision-making,” he said.

Mr Razawo said the summit will also ensure that companies stay up to date with the key trends and regulatory drivers that will redefine “business as usual” in 2022.

Some of the key topics and themes to be highlighted at the summit will include responsible corporate in times of adversity and economic transformation and CSR friendly tax policies-unlocking value and aligning interest or policy development for sustainable economy.

“It will also touch on the state of sustainability reporting for listed companies in Zimbabwe, redefining responsible business under the new normal, rethinking CSR and sustainability and climate action and cleaner, safe cities and communities or sustainable city development among others,” added Mr Razawo.

He said there was need to engage on how renewable energy can change economies and promote sustainable industries, the role of social businesses in sustainability or businesses responsibility and reputation in the discussions.

Mr Razawo said looking at 2022, new regulations and reporting standards were evolving and these will demand more credible corporate disclosures, and corporate boards will face rising pressure to be sufficiently equipped to oversee ESG issues.

He added: “The summit should be able to address issues such as how can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) be part of this transition, how to ensure ESG principles are consistent throughout the supply chain/ suppliers and how do we improve ESG-specific data. It will also highlight if there will be solutions to improve the disclosure of material ESG issues and create strategies that accurately identify risks.”

In terms of lined key speakers and panel discussants of the summit, Mr Razawo said there will be the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Patrick Sikana Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya.

Among them will be CSRN Zambia board chairman Dr Matongo Matamwandi, Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) chief executive Mr Clever Ruswa and CARE International Zimbabwe Country Director Mr Patrick Sikana among others.

CSRNZ is a professional multi-stakeholder organization with the aim to advance the principles and practices of corporate social responsibility in the private sector with the ultimate goal of supporting sustainable businesses which will contribute to sustainable economic growth leading to the achievement of some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).