Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility as Directors’ Responsibility in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

The Law Institute of the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper), in cooperation with the EMUNI University and the IRDO – Institute for the Development of Social Responsibility, organized the second scientific conference entitled “Corporate Social Responsibility as a Responsibility of Directors in the Euro-Mediterranean Region, in the Current and Future Green and Digital Transformation” on Thursday, 26 September 2024. The conference took place at the Centre for Humanities ZRS Koper and is part of a research project named “CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY” (J5-4582).

Prof. Dr. Rado Pišot, Director of ZRS Koper, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of responsible management of ESG (environmental, social and governance) aspects in all organizations, not only in companies. Indeed, current European and Slovenian legislation requires companies to conduct a due diligence of their operations, including the assessment of the impacts that organizations have on the environment, society and the economy. “If the leadership of companies and other organizations is aware that business is more than just making profit at the end of the year, then there is no need to worry that by acting in a socially responsible manner, they will contribute to sustainable development to the best, ensuring not only our wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of future generations,” Dr. Pišot emphasised.

Slovenian and foreign speakers then spoke on various topics related to the management of sustainability and social responsibility in both the public and private sectors. Particular attention was paid to due diligence and the responsibility of directors and supervisory boards in this context. Practices of voluntary and legal commitments to integrate sustainability into business operations were presented, as well as international comparisons of business and legal practices in India, the USA and Norway. The authors of the academic papers presented cross-national aspects of ESG and the impact of EU sustainability legislation on policies and laws in different countries. They discussed how managers should successfully manage sustainability in an innovative, socially responsible society and what the profile of a successful manager in this field should look like.

The incentives of the Slovenian Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport for a circular economy and green transition were presented, as well as corporate security, ethics, artificial intelligence management and reporting in the context of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

During the conference, on the occasion of Prof. Dr. Rado Bohinc’s 75th birthday, a scientific monograph with contributions from his academic and professional colleagues was presented, followed by table discussion. The monograph, titled “Social Responsibility and Law: LIBER AMICORUM”, was compiled and edited by Prof. Dr. Bojan Tičar, Head of the Institute of Law ZRS Koper, along with co-authors.