July's 2024 CSR Conference and Expo highlights technology and innovation in a new, inclusive future

Artificial intelligence (AI) and other related technologies have become disruptive forces in the modern business landscape. While early adopters stand to gain greatly from these technologies, there is a chance that they will also negatively impact more vulnerable members of society. The much-anticipated 2024 CSR EXPO is being arranged by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) with the goal of uniting CSR practitioners to work together and take advantage of technology and innovation while managing associated risks. The conference will take place this year on July 3 and 4 at the Dusit Thani Manila, and the EXPO will take place in Makati City on July 4 and 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center. 

This year's Expo, with the fitting theme of “Reimagining a New and Inclusive Future,” will bring together leaders, experts, and representatives from various industries to discuss important subjects like how technology can improve ESG reporting and CSR practices to AI's dual roles as a source of disruption and a catalyst for innovation. Additionally, there will be small-group breakout sessions where participants can learn new strategies and insights about how to use AI and other cutting-edge technologies in critical domains like enterprise development, health, the environment, education, disaster resilience, the arts and culture, and financial inclusion. 

The application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting can help mitigate the challenges posed by technology, as demonstrated by this gathering of CSR experts. The industry wants to make sure that these technologies are accessible to all and that they advance real national and societal development for the 51% of Filipinos who live in poverty.

“Corporates should view these innovations as vital opportunities to take part in, if not lead an all-of-nation implementations of CSR and ESG that maximize these innovations’ potential and promise while offsetting and minimizing their potential ill effects. These approaches must work to ensure that the application of technology is aligned with the fundamental principles of CSR and ESG, and, by doing so, made inclusive and contributes to social sustainability and the common good.” ~Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chair and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.

Esteemed speakers across various spheres

The 2024 CSR EXPO will connect an estimated 200 delegates with industry leaders in CSR, technology and innovation, and other areas, and serve as a venue for dynamic discussions and collaboration.

The speaker lineup includes Keynote Speaker, Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aboitiz Data Innovation; Forum Speakers Leo de Velez, co-founder of Frontlearners, Inc.; Sherwin Yap, founder of Kaizen Robotics International; and Sherlo Reyes, Director for the Center for Partnership & Development, School of Deaf Education & Applied Studies at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Speakers for the thematic sessions include Ted Monroy, country representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Dr. Alvin Marcelo, Philippine Digital Health Strategy Technical Working Group, Department of Health; Dr. Chelsea Elizabeth Samson, head of Strategy and Communications and head of Public Health and Policy, Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc.; James Elrond B. Lagare, Managing Director, Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc.; Prof. Erika Fille T. Legara, Nolasco A. Mempin, Undersecretary of Administration, Department of Education; Ms. Aprille P. Tijam, Associate Director and Head of Exhibitions and Collections, Ayala Museum; and Engr. Sergio Ramos III, President of PCI Innovations Tech Center, and Esteban Masagca, Executive Director of the People's Disaster Risk Reduction Network.

.

For the full list of speakers and sessions, please view the Conference Program at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo 

Recognizing outstanding CSR initiatives

In celebration of National CSR Week, LCF will award noteworthy examples of CSR excellence concurrently with the Expo.

LCF will announce the winners of the 2024 Guild Awards on the evening of July 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. The yearly awards program honors exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members.

For the first time, the League will also be awarding the CSR Medal of Recognition to non-members to acknowledge the work and effort they provide in their respective communities. The Medal of Recognition celebrates the interventional activities of non-member corporates. This inaugural program will be held on July 5 at the Glorietta.

Upholding CSR and technology to the public

Meanwhile, the Expo at the Glorietta Activity Center, which will be held from July 4 to 5, will showcase technology-themed CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members and non-members alike for the general public. 

This year’s exhibitors are Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.; BPI Foundation, Inc.; Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Metro Pacific Investment Foundation, Inc.; Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.; Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Manila Water Foundation, Inc.; Power 4 All, Inc.; Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.; Energy Development Corporation; BDO Foundation, Inc.; San Miguel Foundation, Inc.; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc.; Ayala Foundation, Inc.; Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation, Inc.; East West Seed Foundation, Inc.; Joy~Nostalg Foundation, Inc.; SM Foundation, Inc.; PCI Innovations Tech Center, Inc.; Frontlearners, Inc.; Rise Against Hunger Philippines; and Animal Empathy Philippines.

The Expo will also serve as a venue for the launch of LIFE, the League of Corporate Foundations’ Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition and Empowerment. LIFE is a  League-wide initiative working to halt stunting, wasting and malnutrition while collaborating with like-minded groups and government agencies.

Established in 1991, LCF is a network of operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations and corporations in the Philippines. The League has continued to be at the forefront of promoting and enhancing CSR practice among its members and the larger business community in the country. Visit the LCF homepage at lcf.org.ph and the 2024 Conference and Expo microsite at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo.  

The 2024 CSR Conference and Expo is co-organized with Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc., and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. It is also brought to you by Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.; Manila Water Foundation, Inc.; Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; SM Foundation, Inc., Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., and Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc.; and Vivant Foundation, Inc.

For more information please contact Chris Sanchez, LCF Communications Officer, at communications@lcf.org.ph