How has CSI developed and how is it likely to evolve?
What leading CSI thinking and approaches have recently emerged and how can they be harnessed?
What is required to create systemic and substantial change, and how do we demonstrate evidence of impact?
These are just some of the questions that will be answered on 4 and 5 May at the annual Trialogue Making CSI Matter Conference being held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, where trends and best-practice observations will guide the dynamic presentations and interactive discussions.
On these two days, CSI and development practitioners will come together to share lessons, draw inspiration and get up to speed on the latest thinking in this everevolving field.
The line-up includes a rich programme with speakers who are experts in their fields, highly participative breakaway engagement sessions, interactive voting technology and lively facilitated panel discussions.
In addition to scrutinising established and emerging CSI trends, delegates will get the chance to review the current contribution and impact of CSI to the development sector, and investigate ways to make CSI more relevant and impactful.
This year’s programme will also incorporate the very topical Dinokeng Scenarios and investigate the relevance and positioning of CSI in relation to them, interrogating ways in which corporates and NPOs can Walk Together with government, and avoid the Walk Behind or Walk Apart scenarios.
Formidable guest speaker Jay Naidoo — chairman of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) — is just one of the many experts that delegates can look forward to learning from and interacting with.
Keynote speaker Mrs Edna Molewa, Minister of Social Development (DSD), will highlight important delivery gaps to which companies can align their CSI spending.
Other topics include, among others: Best-practice principles for making key decisions in enterprise development within a CSI framework, the role of CSI in formal schooling and what is required to make systemic change, and the contribution of sports development and the arts and culture in the context of other unfulfilled developmental priorities.
An evening cocktail event at the end of the first day, kindly sponsored by Telkom, will provide an important platform for delegates to engage with peers and other practitioners, and build a network from the multi-stakeholder pool that will be represented.
The conference incorporates a range of case study examples and perspectives from different stakeholders, providing delegates with practical knowledge and workable ideas for implementation.
Its focus on the most current and innovative development practices means it is as relevant to previous attendees as it is to first-time delegates.
‘As always, we will be seeking to further advance and promote the newest thinking in CSI and development practice as well as presenting practical examples of what works and where the challenges lie, so that delegates come away not just with knowledge and the latest thinking in the CSI and development field, but with inspiration too,” says Vanessa Rockey, Director at Trialogue.
‘The ever-expanding definition of CSI and the many different drivers that exist in the sector have created an area that extends far beyond socio-economic development alone. This year, we will also be exploring the concept of how CSI applies to different economic sectors and how it can be applied to effective development programmes,” Rockey adds.
Financial services, mining, manufacturing and state-owned enterprises are all represented, with speakers including Dr Nomsa Masuku from Standard Bank, Eric Ratshikhopa of Xstrata, Chris Bornman of Eskom and Nonkqubela Maliza of Volkswagen.
Corporate sponsors render a valuable contribution to the Making CSI Matter Conference and Trialogue is grateful to Eskom, Nedbank, Standard Bank and Transnet who have taken up the positions as Major Sponsors are repeat supporters of this event.
In support of development partnerships, Absa is the Major NPO Delegate Sponsor and Pioneer Foods and Murray & Roberts are also supporting NPO delegates.
Thanks to IDC who have sponsored the interactive technology at the event which greatly enhances delegate participation, to Sanlam for supporting the delegate registration and to MIC as a general sponsor.
As an event that attracts thoughtleaders, dynamic speakers and the best perspective-sharing in the industry, the annual Trialogue Making CSI Matter Conference has secured a place on the corporate calendar as a must-attend event for all CSI and development practitioners. A
s delegates from previous years will attest, this is a valuable event that shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to secure your seat at what promises to be an inspiring, informative and engaging conference.
To find out more about the two-day Making CSI Matter Conference or to register online go to www.trialogue.co.za