HARARE – The Environment Economy Social Governance Network Zimbabwe (EESGNZ) last Friday honoured Zimbabwe Top Sustainability companies at the 7th annual national ESG and Responsible business achievements awards held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) where more than 60 organisations drawn from both the private and public sectors.
See below a full copy of the speech by ESGNZ Executive Director:-
Awards Overview by ESRNZ Executive Director Willard Razawo at the Occasion of the 7th Zimbabwe National Responsible Business and ESG Awards 2023
As Prepared for Delivery
SALUTATIONS:
- The UNDP Country Representative Dr. Ayodele Odusola represented here by the UNDP Economic Advisor Mr Ojijo Adhiambo
- Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Chair Mr Kuziva Murapa
- SECZim CEO Mr Anymore Taruvinga
- RBZ Governor DR JP Mangudya represented tonight by Dr Shirichena
- PRAZ Representative here present
- Environmental management Agency Director General also represented here by Madam Sidange
- The Deposit Protection Commission CEO Mr Zinyau
- The Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe (CSRNZ) Board Chairman Mr Wellington Mapedza Mombe and fellow board members
- Our Awards Adjudication Chair persons, Mr Andrew Matiza and Ms Peta-Jane Spong
- Esteemed Business Leaders
- Members of the Press
- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is such an honor to address prominent sustainability and Corporate Social Investment business leaders tonight. I am really humbled to stand before you night.
Let me start by introducing ESG Network Zimbabwe in-case some might not know who we are, So the ESG Network Zimbabwe is a national business association for CSR in other words we are a business member organisation with a special focus on Sustainability and CSI. ESGNZ is there to support and facilitate responsible business conduct in the private and public sectors with a vision to make Zimbabwe achieve sustainable ESG integrity.
Formerly we were known as CSR Network Zimbabwe, so due to the rapid evolution of the Sustainability space we have noted consciously that CSR is fast changing hence the need to move with the times. In this regard we have transitioned from CSR Network to ESG network Zimbabwe.
The need for the Environment Social Governance Network (ESG Network Zimbabwe) rebranding exercise from Corporate Social Responsibility Network (CSR Network Zimbabwe) is testimony to the evolution of the field of responsible business, sustainability and social impact.
Turning to the awards, I am happy to let you know that these National Responsible Business Awards have been hosted by CSRNZ for the past 6 years.
The awards are a way to recognize and appreciate responsible businesses that are making a positive impact on communities through innovative and sustainable CSR activities.
The Responsible Business Awards are the Zimbabwe leading Awards celebrating leadership in sustainable business. It’s more than acknowledging excellent sustainability strategies. The Responsible Business Awards recognise those that are truly having an impact on business, society and the environment – delivering a new blueprint for business in the 21st Century.
For the past 6 years the Awards have served as the benchmark for businesses from across Zimbabwe that are looking to showcase real leadership against their international peers.
Through these awards, we appreciate the companies’ commitment to manage the social, environmental and economic efforts.
I am also happy to note that throughout the 6 years impressive journey of the awards, there have been a number of benevolent organisations and iconic individuals who have really focussed their efforts and financial resources to empower and drive communities towards sustainable development as well as gearing the country up to achieve middle-income status and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out by government and the United Nations.
Over the years we have also seen a great manifestation of a collaborative approach through meaningful partnerships between the government and organisations with exceptional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Now, more than ever, we must adapt and realign our objectives to ensure sustainable nation-building and propel the country to newer heights – in pursuit of A Better Tomorrow.
All winners of the Responsible Business Awards who will be awarded tonight were carefully selected and evaluated by our competent adjudicators. Some of the things considered included:
- the company’s commitment to invest in CSR
- Measurable evidence of innovation, impact and scalability, with demonstrable, long-term commitment to a sustainable transformation
- Level of investment
- Stakeholder engagement
- Staff members involvement among others.
- Overall although the adjudication committee was impressed with the submissions, they also came up with some recommendations which we will share with all participating companies. I am sure the recommendations and observations will go a long way in assisting companies achieve their desired ESG/CSR integrity.
Today, we have gathered here from different corners of Zimbabwe, united by a common purpose: to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time—the urgent need for sustainable development.
As we look around us, we witness a world in flux. Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges that demand immediate action. Climate change, resource depletion, inequality, and loss of biodiversity are just a few of the issues that threaten the well-being of current and future generations.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, we find hope and inspiration in the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). ESG embodies the vision of a world where economic growth is in harmony with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It presents us with an opportunity to forge a sustainable future, where our actions today pave the way for a better tomorrow.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. We have a responsibility—a duty—to safeguard our planet for future generations. Each decision we make, every policy we implement, must be guided by the principles of sustainability. Our actions need to go beyond rhetoric and empty promises. We must translate words into deeds and intentions into impact.
Let us seize this moment to reimagine our relationship with the environment, society, and governance.
Let us embark on a journey that will redefine success, not solely in terms of profits, but also in terms of people and the planet. Let us foster innovation, leverage technology, and embrace new business models that propel us towards sustainability.
As we navigate the complex challenges ahead, let us remember that sustainability is not a choice; it is an imperative. The decisions we make today will determine the world we leave behind for future generations. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to preserve this beautiful planet, to ensure that they inherit a world that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.
Let me also hasten to say these are not competition-based awards; but are a platform for befitting acknowledgement and celebration for all our combined efforts. We are all winners tonight as we are bound by one common goal of changing the fortunes of our vulnerable communities in our quest to achieve vision 2030.
Allow me take to take this opportunity to congratulate all the recipients whom we will recognize tonight.
I thank you.
