Social Responsibility

As natural systems endure extraordinary strain, acknowledging the people who champion significant progress has become vital to preserving life across the planet.The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity showcases these contributions and broadens their influence around the globe.The global community continues to seek effective ways to halt and reverse biodiversity loss while addressing interconnected challenges such as climate change, food security, and human well-being. Within this context, international recognition initiatives play a crucial role in elevating successful approaches, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action across sectors and borders. One such initiative is the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, an international award dedicated to honoring…

Benin at a glance: agriculture, livelihoods, and pressure on soilsBenin's economy and social structure remain deeply anchored in agriculture, a sector responsible for about one-quarter of the country's GDP and employing most of its rural residents, thereby playing a pivotal role in reducing poverty, strengthening food security, and generating export revenue. Main crops encompass cotton, which stands out as a leading cash crop, along with maize, cassava, yam, cashew, groundnuts, palm oil, millet, and sorghum. Agricultural output is largely driven by smallholder farmers, who generally manage plots of under two hectares.This farming environment confronts escalating strains, including declining soil nutrients,…

Belgium’s dense urban fabric, complex governance across three regions, and strong private sector presence create fertile ground for corporate social responsibility (CSR) to shape more sustainable, inclusive urban mobility. Corporations are shifting from narrow environmental projects to integrated programs that combine fleet decarbonization, mobility-as-a-service partnerships, social procurement and support for social innovators who address accessibility, employment and last-mile delivery challenges. This article explains how Belgian companies are improving urban mobility through CSR, the mechanisms they use to back social innovation, selected cases, measurable outcomes and practical lessons for scaling impact.Context: why corporate action matters in Belgian citiesBelgian urban areas face…

Armenia’s technology sector has become a cornerstone of national development, driven by a mix of private startups, multinational centers, diaspora investment, universities, and civil society. Corporate social responsibility in technology firms is increasingly focused on STEM education, workforce development, and regional inclusion. This article examines how tech CSR activities are shaping pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for Armenian youth, with examples, outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for scaling impact.How tech CSR plays an essential role for ArmeniaInvestment in STEM through corporate responsibility addresses several national priorities:Economic diversification: By bolstering the ICT and advanced technology fields, the economy becomes less…

The Bahamas navigating the balance between tourism and marine conservationThe Bahamas is a nation whose economy and identity are deeply entwined with coastal landscapes, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and clear blue water. Tourism—luxury resorts, dive operators, charter boats and small islands welcoming independent travelers—generates a major share of national income and employment. That economic dependence creates both vulnerability and opportunity: coastal development, pollution, overfishing and climate-driven coral bleaching threaten the natural assets that attract visitors, while tourism revenue and private-sector reach can be mobilized for conservation through corporate social responsibility (CSR) and citizen science.Key threats to beaches and marine…

Barbados confronts a twofold challenge shared by many small island developing states: it must curb its reliance on imported fossil fuels while upgrading the energy performance of the buildings that underpin its economy, including hotels, offices, schools and residences. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a practical driver of this shift, as companies, financial institutions and community groups channel resources, technical knowledge and influence to expand rooftop solar adoption, advance energy‑efficient retrofits and promote resilient construction practices that reduce expenses, cut emissions and bolster local livelihoods.Why CSR matters for Barbados’ energy transitionEconomic exposure: Substantial fuel import expenses drive electricity prices…

Since 2000, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award has recognized individuals and organizations making a lasting difference for people and the planet. Established in Gothenburg, Sweden, this prestigious award brings together leaders from politics, business, and academia to honor efforts that foster environmental, social, and economic sustainability.A legacy of global recognitionOver the past two decades, the award has become a benchmark for acknowledging pioneering initiatives that integrate ecological stewardship with social responsibility and economic resilience. Its roster of laureates reads like a who’s who of global change-makers, including figures such as Gro Harlem Brundtland, Al Gore, and Kofi Annan. Prominent…

In a time when deforestation and habitat loss threaten countless species, the World Land Trust demonstrates how focused, practical conservation can make a tangible difference. By securing critical ecosystems and empowering local communities, the organization has become a model for preserving biodiversity on a global scale.Since its establishment in 1989, the World Land Trust (WLT) has focused on safeguarding some of the world's most fragile landscapes. Its mission is straightforward and action-driven: obtain ecologically vital land, protect it permanently, and delegate its stewardship to local partners who comprehend the environment and the communities reliant on it. This strategy guarantees that…

In a world still dealing with the effects of strict gender roles, Promundo is subtly reshaping the path to achieving equality. By involving men and boys as proactive collaborators, the organization illustrates that enduring social transformation depends on collective responsibility.Since its establishment in 1997, Promundo has questioned the idea that achieving gender equality is solely the duty of women and girls. Instead, it advocates for an inclusive strategy that engages all members of society in transforming norms, behaviors, and expectations. Its initiatives have reached over 40 countries, fostering discussions about fair decision-making, respectful relationships, and the societal advantages of collaborative…

Mounting worries regarding reliance on technology are transforming Europe's strategy for public transit and digital security. A sector that was previously calm and effective in Scandinavia is now the focal point of an intense discussion concerning national defense and digital autonomy.Rising alarms over Chinese-built busesPublic transportation operators in Denmark and Norway are confronting a potential security flaw in their electric bus fleets, specifically in vehicles produced by Yutong, the world’s largest bus manufacturer based in Zhengzhou, China. The issue stems from the buses’ ability to receive remote software updates and diagnostic checks — a feature that, while technologically advanced, also…