28.05.15 - Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility

Philanthropy is increasingly a topic of keen interest to individuals and companies alike, particularly in Geneva, a canton with a long tradition of giving. Proactive thinking about the framework conditions conducive to philanthropic initiatives can only benefit such momentum. For this reason, in line with the actions already engaged by SwissFoundations, the Canton of Geneva and Fondation Lombard Odier, the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva organises a Philanthropy series.

Initiated under the impulse of Professor Xavier Oberson and Professor Henry Peter, the Philanthropy series is comprised of four conferences throughout the university year 2014-15. The objective of these half-day sessions is to debate different aspects of philanthropy from an academic standpoint, with a view to providing policy makers and practitioners with concrete recommendations.

Utopia, duty or opportunity?

Under the chairmanship of Professor Henry Peter, this 4th and last session of the lecture series will convene an international panel of specialists, including professors, practitioners and investors. The speakers will discuss the topic of Philanthropy through the prism of Corporate Social Responsibility. The aim will be in particular to better understand whether taking into account interests that are not only those of shareholders is a utopia, a duty or an opportunity. Presentations by the panelists will be followed by a discussion addressing various aspects of this challenging and very topical issue. The objective will be to set best practice recommendations for all stakeholders.

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PANELISTS

Jean-Luc Chenaux
Professor, Lausanne University
Partner, Carrard and Associés; Board member of companies and foundations
CSR: Legal or Political Concept in the Swiss Approach?

Judd Sneirson
Professor, Savannah Law School, Georgia
Corporate Law and CSR in American Firms

Yola Biedermann
Head of Corporate governance and Sustainability, Ethos foundation
CSR: a License to operate; the view of a long-term oriented Socially Responsible Investor

Georg von Schnurbein
Professor, Basel University
Head of the Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS)
Scaling-up or crowding out? The relationship of CSR and Corporate Philanthropy

Marc Pfitzer
Managing Director, Foundation Strategy Group (FSG)
The Strategic Role of Corporate Philanthropy

Benoit Merkt
Partner, Lenz and Staehelin; Expert in Corporate Philanthropy
Beyond CSR: How to Enhance Corporate Philanthropy through Impact Investment

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PROGRAMME

09:00 - Welcome address and introduction
09:10 - Presentations by the panelists
10:50 - Coffee break
11:15 - Debate and discussion

Presentations in English (no translation provided)

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REGISTRATION AND VENUE

Registration required before Monday, 18 May 2015

Maison des Fondations - Auditorium Louis-Jeantet
Entrance Route de Florissant 77, Genève | Bus 8 or 21 - Stop Louis-Aubert

PHILANTHROPY SERIES PROGRAMME

#1 Philanthropy and Taxation

Comparative perspectives, cross border issues and recommendations for Switzerland
Moderated by Professor Xavier Oberson | 2 October, 2014 + d'infos

#2 Philanthropy and Art Law

Art donations to Museums: Comparative perspectives and Recommendations for Switzerland
Moderated by Professor Marc-André Renold | 29 January, 2015 + d'infos

#3 Philanthropy and Intellectual Property

Access to drugs for developing countries
Moderated by Professor Jacques de Werra | 13 March, 2015 + d'infos

#4 Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsability

Utopia, duty or opportunity?
Moderated by Professor Henry Peter | 28 May, 2015

2015