VOA常速英语:Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility was the focus of U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Anthony Wayne’s remarks at a workshop in Mexico City in early July.

The event attracted more than fifty participants, including representatives from the business community, government, and civil society, and brought together an alliance of partners that seek to promote responsible business conduct.

The training was hosted by the Organization of American States (OAS) and supported by the U.S. Mission to the OAS, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Government of Canada, the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Mexican Secretariat of Economy, the Boeing corporation, Kansas City Southern, and the ManpowerGroup.

During the event, Ambassador Wayne stated that “Companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of finding ways to be responsive not only to valued shareholders but also to the communities in which they operate. The challenge is to further integrate and expand these programs into the private sector as a key component of broader business success.”

Director of the OAS Department of Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism Maryse Robert stated, "Small and Medium Enterprises play a key role in the development of the region as they account for 99 percent of all business in Latin America and 67 percent of all employment.

The workshop training targeted small- and medium-sized enterprises, firms that often see the value of corporate social responsibility but lack the resources to engage in such programs. With training provided by corporate social responsibility experts, workshop participants from local businesses were given the necessary tools, information, and methods to launch their own programs. Successful enterprises will help contribute to Mexico’s economic development, the growth of the middle class, and increased prosperity for its citizens.

When undertaken in a manner that promotes respect for human and labor rights, environmental protection, and transparency, corporate social responsibility can have a substantial impact on social and economic development.

The workshop is part of a broader effort led by the OAS and supported by the U.S. Mission to the OAS, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Government of Canada, and local partners to demonstrate the power of corporate social responsibility to promote responsible economic growth globally. Corporate social responsibility works. And the United States is working with international partners to promote the concept.