Social Responsibility

Bahrain has emerged as a compact yet influential financial center in the Gulf, blending a mature banking landscape, a regulator known for early fintech adoption, and a supportive network of development agencies. This combination opens space for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that move beyond simple philanthropy by actively promoting financial inclusion and strengthening household financial skills. Financial inclusion in Bahrain stems from three core advantages: widespread digital and mobile usage, a concentrated presence of retail banks and insurers, and proactive public institutions (including development banks and labor-support bodies) that connect financial services with social policy.Regulatory and institutional enablersCentral and…

Benin at a glance: agriculture, livelihoods, and pressure on soilsBenin's economy and social fabric remain closely tied to agriculture. The sector contributes roughly one-quarter of national GDP and employs a majority of the rural population, making it central to poverty reduction, food security, and export earnings. Key crops include cotton (a major cash crop), maize, cassava, yam, cashew, groundnuts, palm oil, millet, and sorghum. Smallholder farms dominate production, typically operating on less than two hectares each.This farming environment confronts escalating strains, including declining soil nutrients, ongoing erosion, shortened fallow cycles, clearing of land for cultivation, and rising climate unpredictability. These…

The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse that killed more than 1,100 people and injured thousands was a watershed moment for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The disaster exposed systemic safety failures and triggered a wave of corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions, multi-stakeholder agreements, and development programs aimed at making factories safer and creating clearer career pathways for workers. This article reviews the main CSR cases and initiatives, shows concrete workplace safety and upskilling outcomes, and draws lessons for sustaining progress.Key CSR mechanisms introduced after Rana PlazaThe Accord on Fire and Building Safety — an independent, legally binding agreement led by global…

Armenia’s technology sector has evolved into a key driver of national progress, powered by private startups, multinational hubs, diaspora-funded initiatives, academic institutions, and civil society. Corporate social responsibility within tech companies increasingly emphasizes STEM learning, talent cultivation, and broader regional access. This article explores how CSR efforts in the tech sphere are opening pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for Armenian youth, highlighting illustrative examples, observable results, persistent challenges, and suggestions for expanding long-term impact.Why tech CSR matters for ArmeniaCorporate responsibility-driven investment in STEM helps address a range of national priorities:Economic diversification: By bolstering the ICT and advanced technology…