The Social Responsibility Program supports proactive management of the social and environmental dimensions of a company's business practices. It is part of IFC's response to the increased demand for guidance and support from our client companies and the private sector in mainstreaming sustainability into business processes, with a special focus on four program areas:

• Community Investment Strategies
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategies and Sustainability Reporting
• Competitiveness through Labor Standards
• Business and Human Rights

The Program adds to IFC's engagement with clients by identifying and implementing opportunities to move beyond compliance with IFC's environmental and social performance standards. Read more...

Recent Highlights

IFC Partners with the Global Reporting Initiative to Promote Sustainability Reporting in Emerging Markets
In September 2008, IFC announced a joint project with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to help companies in emerging markets improve relationships with stakeholders and attract investors by better measuring, managing, and reporting their contribution to socially and environmentally sustainable development. Read more...


IFC Teams Up with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to Improve Labor Standards and Competitiveness in Global Supply Chains
IFC and ILO formed an innovative partnership in February 2007. Recently launched in the apparel industry in Vietnam, this voluntary, industry-based initiative seeks to strengthen relationships between international buyers, local enterprises, governments and worker organizations to improve working conditions and competitiveness. Read more...


Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Emerging Markets
Recognizing a growing need for support in this area among client companies and the wider private sector, IFC works through its Social Responsibility practice area to make advice and tools available to help emerging market firms incorporate CSR into strategic business planning and communications processes. For additional information, please download our brochure. [PDF]