2010 CIDG Conference
Munich
October 25-27, 2010
„Technology for Human Needs“
The first CIDG Conference, was held in Munich in October 2010 under the motto “Technology for Human Needs.” That meeting laid the foundation for the Siemens Stiftung and Ashoka’s collaborative network, and eleven social entrepreneurs from Africa, Latin America, and Asia came together to tackle projects relating to energy, water, and the environment (refuse recycling). Over the course of three days, they immersed themselves in a variety of workshops and exchanged ideas on topics like “investment suitability/business plans” and “integrating local stakeholders/the local community” and networked with potential partners and each other. In addition, they discussed how their own companies might give other small companies the opportunity to generate income.
At the conclusion of the conference, a common code of conduct was formulated regarding the nature, objectives, and tasks of social enterprises. This has become a shared principle for the continued development of the network.
Social enterprises ...
- are focused directly on the basic needs of people,
- strenghten the independence of people,
- make enough profits to sustainably support themselves,
- reinvest profits exclusively in the expansion of the company and to support public interests,
- work with socially weaker companies based on a fair partnership,
- develop additional projects in line with the specific needs and living conditions to improve the overall quality of life and structures (community impact).
In a nutshell: “A social enterprise creates added value for society and/or the environment and works to become financially independent.”
