Macedonia is undertaking activities to apply the concept of social responsibility as a way to invest in community. However, change of mentality and joint commitment to the private, public non-governmental sector are necessary for concrete results, concurred participants at Friday's forum "Investing in Community", held in Skopje.

The event took place as part of the activities of the "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Republic of Macedonia" project.

Community investing, participants at the forum said, should offer to firms and institutions something more than capital assets.

"The Macedonian government has formed a national coordinating body for social responsibility and has adopted a national agenda applying the concept for the period between 2008-2012, making it the first country in SEE to have enacted such a document," Economy Minister Fatmir Besimi said.

The coordinating body is focused, amongst other things, on implementing the social responsibility project. Five more forums are set to be held and a caravan of activities will be organised across the country to raise awareness. The two-year project is worth Euro 400.000 and the European Commission covers 65%.

Large companies in Macedonia, as well as institutions and the NGO sector show exceptional interest in corporate social responsibility, according to the minister.

"Projects aim at championing that investing in community is of great interest for business factors, public and NGO sectors. It can be achieved solely through an integrated initiative and activity," Besimi said.

Each year, nearly 50 enterprises in Macedonia are awarded for their good socially responsible practices.

Robert Liddell, a representative of the EU delegation to Skopje, said that enterprises in applying corporate social responsibility should be committed to establishing a joint ambient for the citizens to acknowledge standards.

"It is important to be aware that all small and medium enterprises are not the same, some are quite progressive and some are not. Therefore, there is not a single way to access to social responsibility. It is crucial the approach to be practical," he stated.

Corporate social responsibility envisages efforts for incorporating marginalised groups in the working process, investing in developing the skills of staff, supporting innovations, rational use of natural resources, observing human rights and reducing unemployment.

Globally, 8.700 companies from 130 states have signed the UN global agreement on corporate social responsibility, including several large companies from Macedonia.