At the Management Forum held at the British Council Auditorium, Director of Decentralization Secretariat, Emmanuel A.R.Gaima in presenting a paper on Corporate Social Responsibility has said that the business, private or public sector focus should be more people centered in their role within communities.
Mr Gaima stated that the notion of Corporate Social Responsibility is built on the principle of the state, state apparatus and private sector with a common interest and purpose working on programmes and activities.
As the theme for the forum is ‘Corporate Social Responsibility: how the public and private sector should partner together,” the Decentralization Director mentioned that Corporate Social Responsibility could move from concept to a development mechanism where the willingness exists within the public and the private sectors to collectively bring inherent internal strengths and work on common good of their various stakeholders.
He added that programmes in support of corporate social responsibility must be designed and supported with a strong conviction and planning for sustainability.
Mr Gaima also spoke about basic assumption for effectiveness of corporate social responsibility schemes, the focus and contribution of sectors, opportunities and potential areas for private and public sector collaboration, enablers for even more effective partnership in Sierra Leone and challenges.
As sponsors of the programme the Standard Chartered Bank financial controller David Mansaray mentioned that Standard Chartered is the Market leader with over 100 years of experience in Sierra Leone market.
He stated that it is the leading bank in Sierra Leone with the ability to leverage on Standard Chartered Group network to bring world class banking services to their customers.
He maintained “It is the first bank to introduce internet banking services in Sierra Leone through our product called Wed Bank”.
The Financial Controller stated that their bank is the largest bank in terms of foreign exchange activities and the first provider of foreign currency accounts in Dollars, Sterling and Euro. “It is a leader in community partnership activities through a structured approach, leading to the largest and most effective donor in Sierra Leone.
The Coordinator of the Forum, Michael Dennis in his statement said that the British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization, connecting people worldwide with learning opportunities and creative ideas from UK and building lasting relationships between UK and other countries. He disclosed that this year marks 60 years of their working partnership with Sierra Leone. He said they are involved in a broad range of activities, including law, journalism, human rights, education, business, gender and youth issues.
By Betty Milton
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