natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
- The core of corporate social responsibility is about respecting basic human rights, providing decent working conditions, protecting the environment – our common future.
- The core of corporate social responsibility is about respecting basic human rights, providing decent working conditions, protecting the environment – our common future.
It is about refusing to accept that corruption should be part of everyday business in any part of the world.
It is about refusing to accept that corruption should be part of everyday business in any part of the world.
- These expectations are as valid in times of crisis as ever.
- These expectations are as valid in times of crisis as ever.
We cannot sacrifice human dignity in our effort to turn the economy around.
We cannot sacrifice human dignity in our effort to turn the economy around.
Rather, we will encourage business to look forward, to think the bold thoughts that show the path to the future.
Rather, we will encourage business to look forward, to think the bold thoughts that show the path to the future.
Now may be the time to explore business opportunities in countries that have yet to benefit fully from economic globalisation.
Now may be the time to explore business opportunities in countries that have yet to benefit fully from economic globalisation.
Now may be the time to adjust our technology to the demands of sustainability that we know may be enforced in the years to come.
Now may be the time to adjust our technology to the demands of sustainability that we know may be enforced in the years to come.
Now may be the time for business and governments to work on shaping a new economy for future prosperity.
Now may be the time for business and governments to work on shaping a new economy for future prosperity.
- Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing your comments.
- Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing your comments.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Times of Economic Recession
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Times of Economic Recession
Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an Opportunity for Business and Development, Luanda, Angola, 26 November 2009
Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an Opportunity for Business and Development, Luanda, Angola, 26. november 2009
- Over the past years a set of CSR standards and universal values have been codified and articulated.
Over the past years a set of CSR standards and universal values have been codified and articulated.
There is no longer an excuse for companies not to pay attention to human rights, there is no excuse for not safeguarding the natural environment – and no company should be able to get away with not respecting key standards of decent work of its work force, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at the seminar in Luanda on 26 November.
There is no longer an excuse for companies not to pay attention to human rights, there is no excuse for not safeguarding the natural environment – and no company should be able to get away with not respecting key standards of decent work of its work force, sa utenriksminister Støre bl.a. på seminaret.
I am pleased to be here in Luanda, on the first visit ever by a Norwegian Foreign Minister to Angola.
I am pleased to be here in Luanda, on the first visit ever by a Norwegian Foreign Minister to Angola.
Let that be an expression of both friendship and interest, and a reflection of the importance that the Norwegian Government attaches to our relations with Angola.
Let that be an expression of both friendship and interest, and a reflection of the importance that the Norwegian Government attaches to our relations with Angola.
You may say it is high time that we increase our political contacts, and I agree.
You may say it is high time that we increase our political contacts, and I agree.
There are plenty of reasons.
There are plenty of reasons.
One is of course that outward-looking countries in today’s world should meet, should learn to know each other, should explore opportunities for cooperation and common responsibility, and should – when necessary – deal with differences.
One is of course that outward-looking countries in today’s world should meet, should learn to know each other, should explore opportunities for cooperation and common responsibility, and should – when necessary – deal with differences.
We are drawn to Angola by the role this country plays in Africa.
We are drawn to Angola by the role this country plays in Africa.
Norway’s policy on Africa is evolving from a historical focus on development cooperation towards an array of relations, including engaging in the broader spectrum of foreign policy issues, the politics of development, peace and democratisation processes and interaction with African actors on the international scene.
Norway’s policy on Africa is evolving from a historical focus on development cooperation towards an array of relations, including engaging in the broader spectrum of foreign policy issues, the politics of development, peace and democratisation processes and interaction with African actors on the international scene.
My main focus today will be on the economic relations between our two countries, which have developed rapidly in recent years.
My main focus today will be on the economic relations between our two countries, which have developed rapidly in recent years.
Key Norwegian companies are investing in Angola, seeking new opportunities, creating jobs, paying taxes and contributing to development and opportunity in this country.
Key Norwegian companies are investing in Angola, seeking new opportunities, creating jobs, paying taxes and contributing to development and opportunity in this country.
In short, they are driving our relations to a new stage.
In short, they are driving our relations to a new stage.
One key figure is often referred to as an illustration of this stage: Last year Statoil paid taxes to Angola amounting to approximately twice as much as Norway’s total development cooperation to the whole of Africa.
One key figure is often referred to as an illustration of this stage: Last year Statoil paid taxes to Angola amounting to approximately twice as much as Norway’s total development cooperation to the whole of Africa.
This in itself is a sign of change.
This in itself is a sign of change.
It is an illustration of how a new bilateral relationship is taking shape.
It is an illustration of how a new bilateral relationship is taking shape.
And I can add that it highlights why the Norwegian Government wishes to develop and deepen the political dimension of these relations.
And I can add that it highlights why the Norwegian Government wishes to develop and deepen the political dimension of these relations.
I appreciated the political talks that I have had with President dos Santos and the ministers of foreign affairs, industry and energy today.
I appreciated the political talks that I have had with President dos Santos and the ministers of foreign affairs, industry and energy today.
We could have spent our time focusing on the differences between Norway and Angola.
We could have spent our time focusing on the differences between Norway and Angola.
They are many, reflecting our different histories.
They are many, reflecting our different histories.
Angola has experienced colonialism and civil war, Norway gained its independence more than 100 years ago, and we have enjoyed peace for nearly 65 years.
Angola has experienced colonialism and civil war, Norway gained its independence more than 100 years ago, and we have enjoyed peace for nearly 65 years.
Angola is working to stabilise a democratic political system.
Angola is working to stabilise a democratic political system.
Norway has had the privilege of developing ours for decades, if not centuries.
Norway has had the privilege of developing ours for decades, if not centuries.
As the President noted just a few days ago, Angola is focusing on how to create solid institutions that can ensure transparency and fight corruption.
As the President noted just a few days ago, Angola is focusing on how to create solid institutions that can ensure transparency and fight corruption.
Norway has had the opportunity to develop such institutions over time.
Norway has had the opportunity to develop such institutions over time.
When Norway discovered oil and gas, our state institutions were stable and well-anchored, and we had peace.
When Norway discovered oil and gas, our state institutions were stable and well-anchored, and we had peace.
When Angola gained access to the riches of its continental shelf, the country was at war and key institutions were weak.
When Angola gained access to the riches of its continental shelf, the country was at war and key institutions were weak.
Although Angola has experienced substantial growth, it is still struggling with poverty.
Although Angola has experienced substantial growth, it is still struggling with poverty.
Norway has made the transition from a poor European nation to a wealthy one.
Norway has made the transition from a poor European nation to a wealthy one.
Yes, we could have pondered on the differences between our two countries in our political talks, but these and other differences are not our focus today.
Yes, we could have pondered on the differences between our two countries in our political talks, but these and other differences are not our focus today.
They serve rather as a background.
They serve rather as a background.
Our focus now is on the future.
Our focus now is on the future.
How can we take our cooperation further with the point of departure that has been created over the past few years?
How can we take our cooperation further with the point of departure that has been created over the past few years?
How can we respect our differences while striving to explore common ground?
How can we respect our differences while striving to explore common ground?
As I see it, Norwegian enterprises have the privilege and opportunity to join Angola in the next stages of development, and they will be doing so to a large extent in partnership with Angolan partners.
As I see it, Norwegian enterprises have the privilege and opportunity to join Angola in the next stages of development, and they will be doing so to a large extent in partnership with Angolan partners.
Some of our finest companies, such as Statoil, Hydro and Yara, have the opportunity to create wealth, jobs, welfare and opportunity for the people of Angola, which is facing yet more struggles ahead: the continued struggle against poverty, the struggle for better health and education, the struggle for decent work, the struggle against corruption, the struggle for democracy and human rights – in short, the struggle for modernity, which is within the reach of this great nation.
Some of our finest companies, such as Statoil, Hydro and Yara, have the opportunity to create wealth, jobs, welfare and opportunity for the people of Angola, which is facing yet more struggles ahead: the continued struggle against poverty, the struggle for better health and education, the struggle for decent work, the struggle against corruption, the struggle for democracy and human rights – in short, the struggle for modernity, which is within the reach of this great nation.
Our companies will engage on the basis of their skills, their investment and their experience.
Our companies will engage on the basis of their skills, their investment and their experience.
They will have to prove their qualities, as some of them have already done so well.
They will have to prove their qualities, as some of them have already done so well.
The Norwegian Government supports them in their efforts.
The Norwegian Government supports them in their efforts.
Because Norway too had this experience: we emerged from poverty, we explored our national resources, we developed our human capital, we strengthened our national institutions – and the foreign companies that engaged and invested in Norway made a major contribution to all of this.
Because Norway too had this experience: we emerged from poverty, we explored our national resources, we developed our human capital, we strengthened our national institutions – and the foreign companies that engaged and invested in Norway made a major contribution to all of this.
Despite the historical differences that I have mentioned, we see that there are a number of important similarities between our two countries that underlie the rapid engagement of Norwegian companies in Angola.
Despite the historical differences that I have mentioned, we see that there are a number of important similarities between our two countries that underlie the rapid engagement of Norwegian companies in Angola.
Both countries are rich in resources, both have long coastlines, and both have huge potential for hydropower development.
Both countries are rich in resources, both have long coastlines, and both have huge potential for hydropower development.
Thus, there is the potential of similarities and complementarities.
Thus, there is the potential of similarities and complementarities.
Exploring this potential in the right way is both our challenge and our opportunity.
Exploring this potential in the right way is both our challenge and our opportunity.
What, then, can we expect of Norwegian companies that engage in Angola?
What, then, can we expect of Norwegian companies that engage in Angola?
What should we, the Norwegian Government, expect of Norwegian companies present here in your country?
What should we, the Norwegian Government, expect of Norwegian companies present here in your country?
The bottom line is pretty clear.
The bottom line is pretty clear.
We expect them to succeed in their business, create jobs and bring in revenues.
We expect them to succeed in their business, create jobs and bring in revenues.
But we need to look further, and this brings me to the key message of my statement today: what responsibilities do companies have in today’s business environment beyond succeeding in their business efforts?
But we need to look further, and this brings me to the key message of my statement today: what responsibilities do companies have in today’s business environment beyond succeeding in their business efforts?
The notion of Corporate Social Responsibility, or simply CSR, encompasses companies’ responsibilities towards the society in which they operate.
The notion of Corporate Social Responsibility, or simply CSR, encompasses companies’ responsibilities towards the society in which they operate.
A company’s contact with the local community goes beyond the operations related to its core activities.
A company’s contact with the local community goes beyond the operations related to its core activities.
It has a responsibility for ensuring sound, transparent business practices that take into account the well-being of employees, the local community and the environment.
It has a responsibility for ensuring sound, transparent business practices that take into account the well-being of employees, the local community and the environment.
In recent years a set of CSR standards and universal values has been codified and articulated.
In recent years a set of CSR standards and universal values has been codified and articulated.
Companies no longer have an excuse for not paying attention to human rights or safeguarding the natural environment; and no company should be able to get away with not respecting key standards of decent work – just to mention a few dimensions.
Companies no longer have an excuse for not paying attention to human rights or safeguarding the natural environment; and no company should be able to get away with not respecting key standards of decent work – just to mention a few dimensions.
Let’s be practical about it: there is no longer a real debate about whether companies have a responsibility; the debate is rather about how to implement good practices, and how far the responsibility of a company should extend – for instance in the supply chain – into companies they themselves do not own, but from which they purchase goods or services.
Let’s be practical about it: there is no longer a real debate about whether companies have a responsibility; the debate is rather about how to implement good practices, and how far the responsibility of a company should extend – for instance in the supply chain – into companies they themselves do not own, but from which they purchase goods or services.
We have to acknowledge that fundamental realities in the various societies in which the companies operate differ considerably.
We have to acknowledge that fundamental realities in the various societies in which the companies operate differ considerably.
How then can universal norms and standards be met?
How then can universal norms and standards be met?
I agree that this is a real issue.
I agree that this is a real issue.
But at the same time I believe that the process in recent years has taken these dimensions into account.
But at the same time I believe that the process in recent years has taken these dimensions into account.
We are not talking about an approach to societies’ development along the one-size-fits-all analogy.
We are not talking about an approach to societies’ development along the one-size-fits-all analogy.
Rather, in this era of globalisation, the universal debate on CSR has acknowledged the differences while highlighting certain key principles that could and should apply in all countries.
Rather, in this era of globalisation, the universal debate on CSR has acknowledged the differences while highlighting certain key principles that could and should apply in all countries.
For example, a Norwegian company operating in Norway will have to relate to Norwegian laws and regulations.
For example, a Norwegian company operating in Norway will have to relate to Norwegian laws and regulations.
They may differ from those of Angola.
They may differ from those of Angola.
Yes, they may differ and they may be more stringent than those of the country they are operating in.
Yes, they may differ and they may be more stringent than those of the country they are operating in.
They may, of course, differ with regard to certain issues, but often they differ in the sense that Norwegian laws set higher standards for the participation of trade unions, for health and safety, for environmental issues.
They may, of course, differ with regard to certain issues, but often they differ in the sense that Norwegian laws set higher standards for the participation of trade unions, for health and safety, for environmental issues.
And clearly, a company operating in Angola is obliged to respect the laws of Angola.
And clearly, a company operating in Angola is obliged to respect the laws of Angola.
But I also see it as part of a Norwegian social contract that Norwegian companies operating in other countries respect universal human rights, international norms and standards and key principles of decent work – regardless of how far these norms are reflected in local law.
But I also see it as part of a Norwegian social contract that Norwegian companies operating in other countries respect universal human rights, international norms and standards and key principles of decent work – regardless of how far these norms are reflected in local law.
Let me share with you the Norwegian Government’s approach to CSR.
Let me share with you the Norwegian Government’s approach to CSR.
I can do so on the basis on a recent effort to update and focus our efforts.
I can do so on the basis on a recent effort to update and focus our efforts.
Earlier this year, the Foreign Ministry presented a white paper to the Norwegian parliament on this very topic.
Earlier this year, the Foreign Ministry presented a white paper to the Norwegian parliament on this very topic.
This white paper on CSR is one of our first attempts to develop a comprehensive government policy on CSR.
This white paper on CSR is one of our first attempts to develop a comprehensive government policy on CSR.
It also sums up the most recent developments in the global debate on CSR.
It also sums up the most recent developments in the global debate on CSR.
The backdrop to this has two dimensions: first, the increased engagement of Norwegian enterprises in the global market.
The backdrop to this has two dimensions: first, the increased engagement of Norwegian enterprises in the global market.
Second, the recognition that active cooperation with business is essential in addressing the challenges of our time – the financial crisis, climate change and widespread poverty.
Second, the recognition that active cooperation with business is essential in addressing the challenges of our time – the financial crisis, climate change and widespread poverty.
We developed the white paper in close cooperation with the social partners.
We developed the white paper in close cooperation with the social partners.
In fact I see such tripartite dialogue as a key component of succeeding in creating an enabling environment for corporate social responsibility.
In fact I see such tripartite dialogue as a key component of succeeding in creating an enabling environment for corporate social responsibility.
A major input to the white paper was the real-life experiences of companies and trade unions.
A major input to the white paper was the real-life experiences of companies and trade unions.
A number of leading Norwegian companies, several of them present here in Angola, have integrated CSR into their operations and decision-making processes.
A number of leading Norwegian companies, several of them present here in Angola, have integrated CSR into their operations and decision-making processes.
Each company gives priority to its own specific way of making a contribution to the society in which it operates.
Each company gives priority to its own specific way of making a contribution to the society in which it operates.
The list of engagements is long.
The list of engagements is long.
I have been told that the sum of CSR engagements by private companies in Angola equals the total amount of foreign aid to the country.
I have been told that the sum of CSR engagements by private companies in Angola equals the total amount of foreign aid to the country.
That is impressive, and I believe the trend will continue, because it is in the interest of each company, not only politically, but also commercially.
That is impressive, and I believe the trend will continue, because it is in the interest of each company, not only politically, but also commercially.
We have found that those who have actively integrated CSR into their operations are at the same time the ones with the most visible commercial success.
We have found that those who have actively integrated CSR into their operations are at the same time the ones with the most visible commercial success.
In the white paper, we – the Norwegian Government – make our expectations clear with regard to how companies should conduct their operations:
In the white paper, we – the Norwegian Government – make our expectations clear with regard to how companies should conduct their operations:
First, we expect companies to respect human rights in all their operations.
First, we expect companies to respect human rights in all their operations.
Norway has supported the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, a function that helps to clarify the human rights responsibilities of governments and companies.
Norway has supported the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, a function that helps to clarify the human rights responsibilities of governments and companies.
Second, we expect companies to respect the rights of employees and provide decent working conditions.
Second, we expect companies to respect the rights of employees and provide decent working conditions.
Third, we expect companies to protect the environment and the climate.
Third, we expect companies to protect the environment and the climate.
Fourth, we expect companies to engage in fighting corruption and increasing transparency.
Fourth, we expect companies to engage in fighting corruption and increasing transparency.