Panels
Track 1 – The Impact of Capital
The financial world has contributed substantially to the evolution of responsible business through financing social businesses and entrepreneurs. New models of financing and investing have enabled opportunities that reach underserved markets, as well as finance innovations that that will affect the way in which we live. This track will discuss current issues regarding a variety of financial tools, including microfinance, micro-health insurance, venture philanthropy, social returns investing and foreign direct investment.
Track 2 – Corporate Social Responsibility
A heightened awareness to environmental and social factors is growing among corporations, which have introduced new external initiatives and internal processes to demonstrate this commitment. This track will present some controversial issues, including how traditionally “difficult” industries implement CSR programs and measurement of social factors. Models of CSR will be compared across large businesses around the globe. Additionally, panels will explore the topic of sustainability and how businesses can truly balance social factors with a fiduciary shareholder responsibility.
Track 3 – Base of the Pyramid
Over 1 billion people currently live on under $1 per day. It is no wonder that this population, referred to as the base of the pyramid, receives substantial attention from the responsible business sector. This track will include panels that cover diverse topics that pertain to seeking higher living standards for those in poverty. Topics will cover the importance of focusing on women, solutions for growing agriculture, improving education systems, and stopping deaths from preventable diseases, as well as how to improve urban development. This track will also feature a debate on charity versus “trade dumping” and discuss the contribution of large pharmaceutical companies to the Millennium Development Goals.
Track 4 – Innovation as a Social Solution
Technology and innovation are revolutionizing practices across the globe, as new solutions are created each day to reduce one’s carbon footprint and improve the quality and sustainability of water sources. Alternative energy sources and reducing carbon emissions have become the headlines of worldwide political conferences. The transfer of technology to emerging markets has enabled the democratization of such regions through improved communication and access to information. This track will feature panels in which all of the aforementioned topics are discussed and debated by key industry players, including the large energy companies and clean technology providers.
Track 5 – Social Business
This track will look into a broader range of topics that all relate to social businesses. Panels will discuss the best legal structure under which to conduct social operations, as well as how NGOs balance a competitive advantage with a common overall social agenda. The topic of fair trade will be explored as it pertains to fast moving consumer goods. Lastly, panels will explore the role of MBA programs in responsible business, and how to achieve a socially-rewarding career.
