Georgia's Responsible Business Awards, Meliora 2024, were established in 2018, and this year marks the fifth edition of the event.
The contest aims to advance the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and inspire companies to integrate the principles of responsible business practices into their operations. By doing so, these companies become role models and motivators for others in the pursuit of responsible business activity.
Meliora's categories cover all the fundamental aspects of CSR, and outstanding projects implemented in 2023 are recognized within these diverse categories, based on special criteria.
Companies of any size and regardless of the amount of invested funds in their projects, are eligible to participate in the competition. This approach emphasizes that not only large enterprises but also small and medium-sized companies can contribute to environmental and social benefits. Such companies can implement responsible business practices that align with their specific scope and scale of activity.
The acceptance of applications for Meliora 2024 has already begun and will continue until February 20.
The principles of the award were developed in collaboration with experts from prominent European CSR organizations, including the Pontis Foundation in Slovakia and Business in the Community, the Prince's Responsible Business Network in the UK.
The independent jury comprises international experts in the field. To ensure impartiality in the evaluation process, the identity of the Georgian jury remains confidential until the conclusion of the competition.
Given the accelerated pace of European integration in Georgia, the incorporation of responsible business principles is growing in significance. To seamlessly integrate with global markets, Georgian companies should prioritize the advancement of corporate responsibility, which refers not only to charity initiatives.
It's worth noting that corporate social responsibility extends beyond how companies allocate their profits; it also encompasses how those profits are earned. CSR goes beyond charity, philanthropy, and legal compliance. It involves managing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a company's activities, aiming to minimize negative effects and enhance positive ones.
Additionally, it encompasses the forms and principles of relations with employees, customers, and society.
For more information about the Meliora 2024 contest and to submit projects, please visit the website: www.meliora.ge
The Awards will be held within the frameworks of the European Union (EU) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) funded project ‘Civil Society STAR Initiative: CSOs as Sustainable, Transparent, Accountable and Resilient Development Actors in Georgia”.
