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In This Issue
Editor's Note
An Insider’s Perspective on the BSR Conference 2010
Participants at the BSR Conference 2010, "Innovate. Integrate. Inspire." can expect a lineup of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and sessions featuring provocative ideas that will help define the business models essential for future success.
To mark BSR Vice President Kara Hurst's ninth Conference—and her first leading the development of the theme and content—we spoke with her about changes to this year's program (including our new "I³" series of speakers, whose vision reflects our 2010 Conference theme), the sessions she is most looking forward to, and her advice on how to get the most out of the event.
We also offer a preview of our pre-Conference trainings, on everything from “CSR 101” to strategy and ROI.
And if you enjoyed our debate earlier this year on mandatory versus voluntary reporting, don't miss a new report on global trends in the same area.
Finally, a friendly reminder to those who haven't yet responded to BSR's annual Member Survey: Your input is valuable, and we appreciate you taking the time to complete this by Friday, July 9.
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In Depth
BSR Conference 2010 Preview
Interview with Kara Hurst, Vice President, BSR, by Faris Natour, Director, Research & Innovation, BSR
An insider's look at the Conference planning to date—the story behind the theme, a new series of inspiring sessions, agenda highlights, and how to make the most of this premier sustainability event.
Read more →
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Spotlight
Take it to the Next Level: BSR Conference 2010 Pre-Conference Trainings
By
This year, BSR is offering five pre-Conference trainings designed for all levels of sustainability practitioners. These full-day, hands-on workshops—led by BSR experts—will provide specific tools that attendees can immediately implement following the Conference. The sessions include:
- CSR 101: Explore the core aspects of corporate responsibility and how to integrate sustainability into the overall business agenda.
- CSR 301: Examine global trends and the future of corporate responsibility across three key themes: rethinking systems and current models, innovation for sustainability, and the power of networks.
- Planetary Boundaries: Water Strategy Foundations and Emerging Climate Change Topics: Learn best practices in climate and water management in the context of navigating global environmental issues.
- Strategy, Materiality, and ROI: Discover new methodologies for materiality assessments, strategy, and establishing return-on-investment measures.
- Supply Chain Management: Achieving Social and Environmental Sustainability: Learn about global supply chain issues and a practical framework for developing management strategies.
All trainings will be held on Tuesday November 2, 2010. View the pre-Conference training rates and register now.
Toolbox
Trends in Voluntary and Mandatory Reporting
By Elissa Goldenberg, Associate, Advisory Services, BSR
A new report from the Global Reporting Initiative and others gives an overview of mandatory and voluntary approaches to sustainability reporting and assurance in 30 countries. It also explores the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory and voluntary approaches, and describes selective legislation, codes, standards, and guidelines at the global, regional, and country levels.
Key trends noted in this report include:
- The increasing number of companies reporting reflects a growing set of national and international standards for sustainability reporting.
- There is a stronger role for the state in ensuring minimum levels of disclosure.
- There is a growing emphasis on how voluntary and mandatory approaches can complement one another. For example, regulators can increase minimum reporting requirements while still leaving room for voluntary disclosure and innovation.
- More companies are integrating corporate governance, financial, and sustainability reporting into a single framework.
For different viewpoints on this subject, read BSR's debate on mandatory versus voluntary reporting.
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An interesting article recently published by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) explores the differences between the new generation of migrant workers in China—defined as rural, migrant workers who are 16 years old or older—and their parents’ generation, in terms of their backgrounds, their work-life expectations, and their awareness of labor rights.