Speech at AMCHAM’s CSR Awards
Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
AMBASSADOR’S REMARKS AT AMCHAM’S CSR AWARDS CEREMONY
November 13, 2007
Good evening everyone - I must tell you that I have been looking forward to this event since last year! I had the honor to participate in the 2006 edition when I arrived in Argentina; in fact it was my first official event!
A year has passed and in that time I have learned an incredible amount about Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that are being undertaken by U.S., Argentine and other international companies in Argentina.
Regardless of which country I am in, I am always impressed by the fact that Corporate Social Responsibility is an area where many corporations, whatever their nationalities are, benefit those in the communities in which they work and sell their products and services.
During the past year, I have had several opportunities to visit the sites of CSR programs supported by U.S. and Argentine companies.
For example, I recently visited the site of the Argentine Food Bank located in San Martín, along with executives from Kraft Argentina as they are its largest single supplier of foodstuffs. While there, I encountered volunteers helping from other companies of U.S. origin as well the Food Bank’s managers and employees. The compassion, strength, and sense of civic duty that was displayed by each volunteer and employee were contagious. I was extremely impressed by their genuine desire to help those in need in Argentina.
Also, the fact that several Argentine Universities feature CSR related curriculums, and that Social Responsibility workshops are becoming more and more frequent in elementary schools is a clear indicator that Argentina has made this topic a priority.
As the evening’s awards will demonstrate, good CSR is not the monopoly of companies with roots in the United States, but the fact that the American Chamber is holding these awards for the ninth year, demonstrates the strong commitment of American Companies to foster a culture of good corporate citizenship.
All around the U.S. companies foster a culture of care for their employees, communities and host countries. In this way, they too serve as Ambassadors for best practices from the United States.
I want to congratulate all of our nominees this evening whatever the national origin. Each of you have taken a leading role in CSR initiatives, and have made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of people.
Thank you to the AMCHAM for inviting me to participate once again as it is truly a privilege to be involved in the Premio Ciudadanía Empresaria Ceremony.