Egypt is hosting the 22nd edition of the International Annual Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR) at the German University in Cairo (GUC) from September 4th to 7th, 2024. The conference, titled “Corporate Environmental Responsibility,” derives from the broader concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Its main focus is on exploring and scrutinizing how environmental and social service issues can be integrated into corporate and institutional operations, enhancing resource efficiency, and minimizing activities that could hinder future generations' access to environmental resources.
Dr. Raghda El Ebrashi, Head of the Department of Business Management and Organization at the Faculty of Management Technology at the German University in Cairo and Chair of the 22nd edition of the conference, stated that the event aims to provide a common platform that brings together academics, researchers, practicing managers, policymakers from governments and NGOs, and industry professionals from countries such as Egypt, Turkey, China, the UK, Indonesia, Croatia, Denmark, India, Romania, and Portugal. The goal is to exchange ideas, discussions, and innovative trends and approaches in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and sustainability, and how to integrate economic, social, and environmental objectives into the operations of various institutions.
She explained that corporate social responsibility plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development through companies' commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in their business activities, contributing effectively to building a better, more just, and sustainable society. The importance of companies adopting this concept is evident as governments encourage the transition to a green economy, which focuses on achieving sustainable economic growth by implementing environmentally friendly projects, using new technologies in the fields of renewable and clean energy, and changing unsustainable consumption patterns.
DR. Raghda El Ebrashi highlighted that the list of keynote speakers at the conference includes Dr. David Crowther, President of the Social Responsibility Research Network (SRRNet); Engineer Margaret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity in Egypt; Mr. Hossam Heiba, Chairman of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) in Egypt; Ms. Iman Bibars, Vice President of Ashoka, a global organization specializing in social entrepreneurship; and Dr. Shahla Sifi, Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee for the Social Responsibility Research Network.
Additionally, welcoming remarks for the participating delegations are scheduled to be delivered by Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo, and Prof. Dr. Yasser Hegazy, President of the University.