Watching CSR progress (page 2 of 2)

It requires proper planning, strategy and structure in order to have an impact that is meaningful, responsible and accountable.



Q: How do you find CSR awareness and activity in the different markets/regions you operate in? Is it catching up in more developing areas?

Whilst CSR is perhaps more established across Europe, US, Australia and some markets within the Far East, I, for one, have seen CSR take on a more meaningful role within an organisation's policies operating in the Middle East region. There is a definitive shift by companies and corporations to take responsibility within the communities they operate and to develop real and meaningful CSR activities.

CSR can be confusing when there is a lack of clarity, particularly in less mature corporate environments where initial steps are being taken. It is relatively new to the Middle East region and education and evaluation are vital to getting it right.

Ultimately all CSR activity has to generate, promote and sustain a dialogue between a corporation and all its relevant audiences, to promote responsibility as a key attribute of the corporation and to ensure that the corporation's reputation is enhanced by its true commitment to CSR.



Q: What other CSR activities have you taken part in?

Harry Winston has recently taken part in an initiative to help children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. On September 22nd, 2005, 2 days after our Dubai initiative, Harry Winston was involved in the Monaco Yacht Show. In the presence of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, an unprecedented watch charity auction of 34 unique wristwatches raised USD 2.3 million to fund important medical research to help children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.

Harry Winston Rare Timepieces participated in this extremely important and highly successful event by donating a "pièce unique" Excenter Biretro "Starlight". This Harry Winston Rare Timepiece was sold among other watch brands during the auction. One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds will be donated to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy.



Q: How do you monitor your CSR and its results? How important is accountability?

At Harry Winston we clearly understand that CSR is not PR, it is not sponsorship and it is certainly not advertising. CSR needs to be factual, modest and measurable.

Research and evaluation are crucial to any CSR campaign. Many elements are incorporated into our research and evaluation process such as identifying issues and parameters, setting ourselves benchmarks, measuring progress, impact and effectiveness, providing input to management, and setting boundaries for communications.

Results from the Harry Winston - Paint a Smile campaign will be monitored over time in collaboration with Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre - after all it is not an over-night deliverable but rather a sustained and long term commitment. Our intention at Harry Winston, with the support and commitment of our partners, is to roll out initiatives of this nature across the Middle East region.