PHILIPSBURG--The Social Economic Council SER will host its first symposium on corporate social responsibility at The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa on Wednesday, June 12, from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

 

The event will be held under the theme “Innovate or Deteriorate: Corporate Social Responsibility as the Way Forward for St. Maarten.”

 

Professor Ryan Peterson will deliver the keynote address. Peterson specialises in Innovation Economics. He holds the Economics Research Chair on Sustainable Islands at University of Aruba.

A panel discussion also will be held with public- and private-sector representatives and the SER to further explore the central theme of innovation through “Corporate Social Responsibility.” The discussion will address the question of the best way for businesses to be involved in and accept responsibility for St. Maarten’s social challenges.

 

Corporate social responsibility is a widely discussed topic today in the Caribbean and worldwide. Private enterprises can show corporate social responsibility in varying degrees by donating money to charities, by stressing compliance with rules and regulations, and/or by being pro-actively involved in education, social causes, care for the environment and other long-term social goals.

 

Dutch development funds managed by the implementing organisation of the Foundation for the Development of the Netherlands Antilles USONA organised the symposium. Additional information can be obtained at

www.sersxm.org .