Bukola Olaosebikan
The editorial board of CSR Reporters―Africa’s premier all-Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability publication―has announced the date and entry for its annual Social Impact and Sustainability Award (SISA). The award, which recognizes initiatives of companies in promoting sustainable economies in Nigeria and in serving the needy public, is now in its fourth year.
The CSR REPORTERS’ Social Impact & Sustainability Awards (SISA) is an annual event to recognize, honor and celebrate the outstanding efforts of organizations and individuals that have made a transformative impact on Nigerian society in the year under review.
The award recognizes the organizations that have integrated globally recognized and measurable sustainability standards including ISO 37101 Management Standards on Sustainable Development in Communities (MSSDC), ISO 26000 Social Responsibility, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 20400 Sustainable Supply Chain Management, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Standards, among others.
It also recognizes organizations that have followed best reporting standards such as GRI and IIRC Standards. Other categories include specific initiatives in support of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and individual philanthropic efforts for the year under review.
Eche Munonye, the Editor-In-Chief of CSR REPORTERS who briefed newsmen in Abuja on Thursday July 6th, noted that the award will have 35 categories across Social Impact, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability initiatives.
“This year’s edition will be unique as it will witness the unveiling of a year-long research document tagged ‘CSR 50’,” he said.
The document, Eche said, is a research article of 50 organizations and individuals that contribute in building a better society for all.
According to him: “The document which is in 4 sections of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability; Corporate philanthropy; Nonprofit Impact and Individual Philanthropy, looks at organizations and individuals that have embedded international sustainability best practices in their approach to business and philanthropy. The organizations have approached their operations or part of their operations with recourse to the three pillars of Sustainable Business Practice: Social, Economic and Environmental.
“These organizations have been assessed based on the seven core subjects of Social Responsibility as outlined on ISO 26000 SR Guidance Standards”, he said.
On how the publication was able to verify the research contained in the CSR 50 document, Eche said: “CSR REPORTERS drew up the list of organizations in various categories by sending out questionnaire to different stakeholders- employees of different organizations, professional bodies, sections of the Nigerian public, CR&S practitioners, NGOs, Host Communities, and the press for their inputs. Verifiable published information and third party certifications are also analyzed. The data generated is reviewed, analyzed and compiled into a reference document which is primarily intended to further promote the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR & S) agenda and body of knowledge in Africa.”
The highpoint of the event usually is the unveiling of the Philanthropic Person of the Year which is the most competitive category of the award.
The process of nomination of organizations and individuals for the awards is simple and interactive. A click on the award’s website, www.csrreporters.com/SISA will help the intended nominator achieve this with utmost ease.
The entry-vetting panel, he further disclosed, is made up of top media, CSR and sustainability researchers, headed by Mr. Eustace Onuegbu, one of the most respected names in the CSR and Sustainability Research and Consultancy sector.
Entry for the award closes on September 9, while the in-person ceremony will be held in Lagos on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Eche Munonye also stressed that sponsorship opportunities are also opened for organizations who desire to use the platform to further showcase their sustainability efforts to the wider African audience as the event has been upgraded to a Pan-African ceremony bringing speakers and participants from the entire continent.
