Corporate social responsibility is good for all of us – for companies and their profit, but also for employees and the entire community. What must be an inseparable part of corporate social responsibility is respect for human rights without discrimination on any grounds, said the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the opening of the conference “CSR Serbia 2025,” organized by Color Media Communications.

The Commissioner added that it is encouraging that more and more companies understand the importance of respecting the principles of equality, as well as creating a work environment free of discrimination, which, together with the integration of ESG principles into business strategies, has become a necessity and an important factor in building the sustainable business success of all companies.

Through the Partnership for Equality, the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality has, since 2017, jointly with the business community, promoted the principles of equality and tolerance. Hundreds of companies, chambers of commerce, and business associations have responded to the Commissioner’s call for partnership, demonstrating the business community’s commitment to working on anti-discrimination policies and the implementation of ESG principles.

Discrimination in the field of work and employment has for years been the most prevalent, which is why it is of key importance to build an inclusive work environment where everyone has the right to be valued based on their work and knowledge. We continuously conduct training sessions for employers to help them recognize and eliminate discrimination and to familiarize them with examples of good business practices. We have also prepared an updated edition of the Code of Equality – guidelines for developing internal mechanisms to identify and prevent discrimination in the workplace – as well as Guidelines for Reasonable Workplace Adjustments for Persons with Disabilities, the Commissioner noted.