ISLAMABAD: The embassy of France on Wednesday honourd French companies for their notable contributions in women empowerment and corporate social responsibility in Pakistan.

In an unconventional diplomatic event, the Embassy of France hosted a gathering to honor these companies for their efforts, highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in addressing societal issues.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of France Nicolas Galey informed his guests that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) had evolved beyond mere financial contributions to societal welfare.

It encompassed a commitment to values and principles, including gender equality, support for disadvantaged groups, and community development.

“French companies operating in Pakistan have been at the forefront of this movement, recognising that their interests are intertwined with the well-being of the society,” he said.

The event showcased the contributions of four prominent French companies – L’Oréal, Schneider, IPSOS, and Servier – through a series of inspiring videos. These companies had integrated CSR into their operations, not only for the benefit of society but also for the betterment of their employees and business performance.

Ambassador Galey emphasised the alignment of private and public interests in promoting societal development.

He underlined the importance of initiatives like the one being celebrated, which demonstrated the convergence of interests between the public and private sectors.

Guests were informed that the commitment of French companies to women’s empowerment aligned with France’s foreign policy priorities, including its ambitious “feminist diplomacy”.

Through initiatives like this, French investors in Pakistan were fulfilling their responsibilities towards the host country by creating employment, building skills, and reducing inequalities.

The event shed light on the systemic impact of these companies’ activities, promoting values, standards, and sustainable development goals.

French companies in Pakistan had demonstrated good practices in governance, gender equality, human rights, environmental sustainability, and local development.

The event highlighted that French government and French companies shared a common commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Recent legislation in France mandated the consideration of social and environmental issues in corporate management, reflecting a broader global shift towards sustainability.

Nicolas Galey highlighted that the economic presence of French companies in Pakistan, with 20 subsidiaries and 2 billion Euros of investments, not only contributed to the country’s economy but also to its social development.

Even during challenging times, such as the floods of 2022, French companies exhibited solidarity by supporting local communities directly or through funding NGOs.

Ambassador Galey commended the participating companies for their long-term commitment to Pakistan’s development. Despite economic challenges, these companies continued to invest in human capital and foster inclusive work environments that empower both men and women.

The event celebrated the contributions of French companies in Pakistan to women empowerment and CSR. It emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in addressing societal challenges and highlighted the mutual benefits of corporate responsibility for both businesses and communities.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2024