National Award for Best Socially Responsible Practices of Enterprises in Macedonia

The Business Confederation of Macedonia, The Ministry of Economy, and the Coordinative Body for Social Responsibility (CBSR) hosted the 10th jubilee traditional annual event: the National Award for Best Socially Responsible Practices of Enterprises in Macedonia, recognizing achievements from the past year. On this special occasion, alongside the established awards, jubilee awards were introduced as special recognition for enterprises with the most awards, presented as statuettes and plaques.

At the event, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev emphasized the importance of promoting positive socially responsible practices and inspiring their widespread adoption. He stated:

“The Republic of Macedonia, along with other nations, is committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, which align closely with corporate social responsibility. While there’s no legal mandate for this, there exists a stronger moral and human obligation to ensure inclusivity and progress. As we embrace the principle of ‘No one should be left out,’ we continue to embed these values into our government reform programs.”

Celebrating Responsibility and Sustainability

Minister Bekteshi, the event host, highlighted the significance of enterprises adopting ethical and transparent behaviors that prioritize not just profit but also environmental preservation and community development. He remarked:

“Enterprises that integrate corporate social responsibility into their operations contribute to sustainable development and create a better future for all.”

Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Mila Carovska, stressed the need for social dialogue between institutions and companies in planning and implementing state policies. She urged companies to participate actively in socially responsible projects, particularly in the field of social protection.

EU Ambassador’s Perspective on CSR

EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar noted the necessity of balancing profit with sustainable practices in a market economy. He said:

“The EU has supported the introduction of CSR in Macedonia, making it a key component of Strategy 2020, which focuses on smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”

Reflections from Organizers and Partners

Aleksandar Nikolov, President of CBSR, reflected on the award’s 10-year journey, expressing satisfaction with how companies have embraced the economic and social potential of CSR projects.
Mile Boskov, Executive Chairman of the Business Confederation, emphasized CSR as an opportunity to maximize potential and achieve economic growth through harmonized measures and policies.

Participation and Recognition

This year, 34 projects were submitted by 25 enterprises:

• 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with 10 projects.
• 15 large enterprises with 24 projects.

For the first time, 8 companies (32% of participants) applied, indicating growing interest in the award. Categories included: employee relations, ethical management, market relations, environmental attitudes, and community investments.

Award Winners

Statuette Winners

• Adora Engineering: “With eco homes for 15 years, we are building green cities in Macedonia.”
• Alkaloid: “Implementation of a talent management system.”
• Engineering Institute Macedonia (GIM): “Most Ecologic Company.”
• EVN Macedonia: “Exhibition Center Matka.”
• OKTA: “I am cautious.”
• RadeKoncar – TEP: “Holignosis.”
• Ramstore Macedonia: “ISO 22000:2005.”
• SkopskiLeguri: “From Waste to Product.”
• Farmahem: “Together we create a better world.”

Plaque Winners

Projects included:

• One.Vip: “Collective Agreement.”
• Ramstore: “The Shop is Ours.”
• DautiKomerc: “Equal Opportunities for All.”
• Orka Holding: “Our Employees – The Most Important Resource.”
• PU Center for Early Child Development Bonbons, Bitola: “In ‘Bonbons,’ grow responsible, educated, and empathetic children.”
• EVN Macedonia: Multiple environmental initiatives.
• Ohridska Banka: Financial security projects.
• Pakomak: “Green Planet.”
• Sparkasse Bank: “Humanitarian Action for Flooded Areas.”
• Stopanska Bank Skopje: “Dreaming, Changing.”

Most Inventive Practice

• SkopskiLeguri: “From Waste to Product.”

Decade of Achievements

Over 10 years, 173 Macedonian companies have reported 540 socially responsible practices, with 252 best practices recognized:

• 101 statuettes awarded.
• 151 plaques presented.

Jubilee Award Winners

SMEs: RadeKoncar-TEP, Farmahem, Donia Prilep, Pakomak, Duna Computers, and RadeKoncar-SERVICE.
Large Enterprises: EVN Macedonia, Cementarnica USJE, Feni Industries Kavadarci, Adora Engineering, and Alkaloid.

These awards underscore the growing commitment to corporate social responsibility and the shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive future.