7.28.2006 - 09:40am ET

(CSRwire) The fifth annual Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) will be held on September 25 & 26, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The conference features the integration of a) plenary sessions addressed by keynote speakers, b) special interest sessions that focus on specific dynamics, learning and best practices of companies, c) an expo featuring specific company CSR programs, and d) optional field visits to innovative CSR program sites in and around Manila. AFCSR is the quickest and easiest way to meet and interact with CSR practitioners from business, civil society and government in Asia.

Emphasis this year will be on going beyond the basics of CSR and moving ahead toward empowering businesses to undertake projects and programs that are not only good for business, but as well as contribute to economic and social development. Subject tracks for the special interest sessions include:

1. Monitoring and Assessing CSR Programs, Standards and Processes
2. Leadership for Implementing CSR Programs
3. Regional and International CSR Standards and Practices
4. Developing an Enabling Environment for CSR
5. Engaging Stakeholders
6. Issues in Implementing CSR Programs
7. Putting a Face to CSR

Hundreds of CEOs and senior managers from around the region will be there to learn, network, and share experiences. We have put together an exciting program that we believe is very relevant with speakers already confirmed from 19 countries.

The theme for AFCSR 2006 is "Harnessing CSR for Development and Democracy".

The World Bank President, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, will deliver welcome remarks via a taped video presentation, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will deliver keynote address, Former President of the Philippines, and Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino will deliver the keynote address at the Gala Dinner and Ceremonies of the Asian CSR Awards. Former Ambassador of India to USA, Dr. Abid Hussain, Resident Coordinator / Resident Representative, United Nations / UNDP Philippines, Ms. Nileema Noble, Founder/Chairman, Population and Community Development Association, Sen. Mechai Viravaidya, Executive Director, GAWAD KALINGA, Mr. Antonio Meloto, Chairman & President, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Edgar Chua, Co-founder / Director, Asian Institute of Management / Whole Foods Market, Inc., Dr. Ralph Sorenson, Chairman and CEO, Benpres Holdings Corporation and First Philippine Holdings Corporation, Mr. Oscar Lopez, President & Chief Operating Officer, Ayala Corporation, Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Vice President, Coca-Cola China, Mr. Charles Tang, Executive Vice Chairwoman, China Youth Development Foundation, Madame Gu Xiaojin, Country Manager & Chief of Mission, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Vipul Bhagat and Executive Director, The Center for Corporate Citizenship, Boston College, Dr. Bradley Googins are among those who will speak at the plenary sessions. 52 other speakers will speak at the breakout sessions.

Mr. Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. AIM Center for Corporate Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center) will Chair the event, in cooperation with United Nations and Alumni Association of AIM. Shell, Coca-Cola and Lopez Group Foundation are the Strategic Corporate Partners. Asian CSR Awards Sponsor is Philippine Investment-Management (PHINMA), Inc. Official Industry Partners are Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd., Microsoft, Smart Telecommunications, Ayala Corporation / Ayala Land, Inc., Jollibee Foods Corporation, HOLCIM Philippines, Philippine Airlines, and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Cooperating partners are Figaro Coffee Company, Soluziona, SM Foundation, and Unilever Philippines.

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