Rapid Global Changes Demand Socially Responsible Action

Friday, 29 September 2017, 11:52 am
Press Release: Akina Foundation

Rapid Global Changes Demand Socially Responsible Action – Philanthropy Alone Is Not The Solution

Auckland – 29 September 2017 – World leaders in social enterprise are calling for New Zealand’s private and public sectors to take positive action towards a more socially, economically, and environmentally responsible society.

Yesterday in Christchurch, more than 100 delegates took part in Working on Purpose as part of Social Enterprise World Forum 2017. Organised by SAP and the Ākina Foundation, the one day event brought together leaders across the corporate, social enterprise and public sectors to connect, discuss and workshop opportunities in social procurement, skilled volunteering and social impact measurement.

Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK, spoke about the world entering a time of great acceleration across all areas; population, GDP, water use, ozone depletion, species extinction, CO2 concentration, and foreign investment. And, how global issues, such as famine, extreme weather and terrorism, are affecting millions of people.

“The solution to these widescale problems cannot be more aid. Philanthropy alone is not the answer,” said Holbrook. “The global community is moving into an era of hybridisation where not-for-profits are becoming more business-like, governments are becoming more entrepreneurial, and the private sector is very strongly considering the social impacts of their actions.”

Holbrook referenced the UK Government’s Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 which requires those who commission public services to consider how they can also secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits.

The Hon Alfred Ngaro, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, told the forum that the challenge for purpose-driven organisations was to channel compassion and intent to make a measurable difference.

Speaking about social procurement Ben Redwine, General Manger SAP Ariba Asia Pacific Japan said, “You can outsource services, but you can’t outsource responsibility.”

Any proceeds from registration to Working on Purpose will be directly invested into supporting the next wave of social enterprises through the Ākina Foundation. For more information visit

akina.org.nz/workingonpurpose.

ENDS

About Social Enterprise World Forum 2017

Social Enterprise World Forum 2017 is an international event for social enterprises from all over the world to come together, share wisdom, build networks and discuss how to create a more sustainable future. The event attracts social enterprise practitioners, social entrepreneurs, policy makers, community leaders, investors, activists, academics and more from all across the globe.

About Ākina Foundation

The Ākina Foundation is focused on growing social enterprise across New Zealand. Ākina’s mission is to grow the emerging New Zealand social enterprise sector by activating talent, supporting social enterprises to grow and increase their impact, as well as developing new market and investment opportunities for social enterprise. Ākina has supported over 600 social enterprises and won the 2015 NZI Sustainable Business Network Business Award for Community Innovation.

About SAP

SAP’s corporate social responsibility efforts in New Zealand focus on two key areas: helping social enterprises drive social innovation, achieve operational excellence, scale and run simple; and educating the IT workforce of the future in communities in need.

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