Tom Starkey
European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) Training Academy made an unprecedented stride towards fostering responsible and sustainable business practices this week. The Academy hosted its first-ever course on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Ethics, presented by the globally recognized CSR expert, Christelle Bitouzet.
Bitouzet, an Affiliate Professor of Social Responsibility Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement at HEC and Sciences Po, presented a two-day course centered on the role of CSR in business. The course underscored the need for businesses to integrate these values into their decision-making processes to contribute authentically to sustainable development.
Read more: Cambodian factories must comply with CSR standards or lose business from European Union
Expressing EuroCham’s excitement, a spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to have Christelle Bitouzet lead our training session on CSR. Mrs. Bitouzet is an international expert on the matter, and her expertise really showed throughout the course.”
Practical training experiences on modern topics
The Academy, known for its practical training experiences on modern topics, is determined to collaborate with experts like Bitouzet to equip companies and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills.
On the first day, participants immersed themselves in a comprehensive discussion on how CSR can create value and be integrated into the business strategy. Key talking points included purpose-oriented thinking, megatrends, stakeholder mapping, risk analysis, shared value, stakeholder matrix, and materiality analysis.
Day two was a deep-dive into the basics of a responsible strategy, focusing on how companies can foster a sustainable and responsible supply chain and how societal and environmental responsibility can be ingrained into company processes.
Chem Srey Oeun, Head of Corporate Affairs at Smart Axiata, a leading Cambodian telecommunications company, attended the course due to the importance of the topic and Bitouzet’s notable expertise. Chem Srey Oeun emphasized CSR’s critical role in shaping Cambodia’s future and the necessity of companies to contribute positively to society and sustainable development.
CSR’s critical role in shaping Cambodia’s future
Chem Srey Oeun noted, “Through CSR initiatives, we can address social, environmental, and economic challenges, and make a tangible difference in the communities we serve.” She added, “CSR is no longer an option but a necessity for companies to thrive.”
Read more: Smart Axiata’s continued commitment to sustainability highlighted in report
Chem Srey Oeun lauded the course, saying, “This course has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of CSR principles and frameworks, as well as best practices from around the world. This knowledge empowers me to identify relevant approaches and strategies that can be adapted to the Cambodian context.”
The success of EuroCham Training Academy’s first CSR and Ethics course highlights the increasing recognition of businesses to adapt and prioritize social and environmental responsibility. The Academy’s commitment to equipping professionals with skills and insights needed to embrace CSR signifies a crucial step towards fostering sustainable and responsible business practices in the evolving business landscape.
