Effective corporate citizenship professionals are always looking ahead, analyzing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that are emerging, and modifying their own efforts to plan and account for them. This is a complex task that only becomes more challenging as the global business context becomes more integrated. The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship works to provide a host of insightful and data-driven resources to aid CSR professionals in their planning and strategy efforts—and there is none more valuable than our annual International Corporate Citizenship Conference. When we gather more than 600 leaders and experts in the field every year, we do so in the hope that nearly three days of inspiring keynote speeches, informative breakout sessions, and networking opportunities will leave attendees inspired to energize their current efforts and prepared to develop new ones.

Future planning is always a focus at the Conference, but it was especially so during the 2015 event. Titled Vision 2020: Future Business Focus, participants came to craft their plans for the future, strategized how they would meet and exceed corporate citizenship goals, and investigated how their efforts would contribute to global objectives, like those outlined in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs were just recently accepted by all 193 member states in September, but they were top of mind during last year’s Conference, as UPS Foundation President Eduardo Martinez spoke to them during his presentation on the main stage. He stressed the importance of collaboration in meeting global challenges, and the important role of the business community.

“The fact is, that the world faces many challenges, which the global community must address—and they must do that together,” said Martinez. “I want to underscore the vital importance of the private sector, engaged like never before as a key stakeholder, in achieving our global aims. After all, these are our communities too.”

This year, UPS is our convening sponsor, and we are again looking forward. Our theme is Global Citizens/Local Communities, and we are focusing our efforts on the intersection of local and global issues—from community recycling to climate change—and defining the role of a corporate citizen in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by them.

Those that attend the Conference in Atlanta will come together to hear from CSR experts, brainstorm with their peers, and share the innovative new programs, partnerships, and solutions that are driving positive change across the globe—one community at a time.

“I’m convinced there is a tremendous opportunity to work together, to learn from each other, and to tap into our capacity to confront the challenges of today for a better tomorrow,” said Martinez. It’s 2015. The future has arrived. Let’s solve problems together.  

Registration for the conference is now open, and if you register early you can take advantage of the special pricing available. I hope you will join the Center and your peers for this unique opportunity designed especially for learning and networking.