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In the European Commission  Green Paper released in 2001, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as “a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis”

The Commission has established a CSR European policy. Subsidiarity is its main principle, in  that CSR is a voluntary choice made by companies which has to be supported by the public authorities as it benefits to the EU social and economic development. The commission has then identified seven main actions:

• Raise awareness about the development and the favourable impact of CSR in Europe and worldwide, especially in developing countries;

• Strengthen the exchange of CSR best practices between companies;

• Help enterprises improve CSR management;

• Encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in developing their corporate social responsibility;

• Enhance transparency and consistency among the various CSR practices;

• Set up a “EU Multi-Stakeholder Forum on CSR” for all those who might be interested;

• Integrate CSR principles in EU policies.

In this respect, the Forum Panel will invite Kiwanis Italy – San Marino District. This is a global association registered as third sector organisation in Italy whose statutory objectives are the support and care of minors; it operates through 150 clubs in Italy and along with the K1 Project dedicated to the enterprises of the countries participating in the Forum.

The K1 Project represents a partnership model open to any social private entity which might be interested as well as to companies of any size intending to commit themselves to social responsibility.

The Panel looks at enhancing the relationship between the companies and the Italian district and at promoting network projects with other Mediterranean countries where Kiwanis operates. This would enable the creation of a socially responsible companies network and make the Mediterranean an area which not only offers business opportunities but also contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable Europe with future leaders and entrepreneurs at its core.