Open days & Conferences
CSR Cyprus participates at the EU Summit of CSR Europe
A highly successful roundtable discussion titled “How to Sell Sustainability in SMEs in Europe” was held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, co-organized by CSR Hellas and CSR Cyprus. The event took place in Mechelen, Belgium, as part of CSR Europe’s European Sustainable Industry Summit, themed “Building Sustainable and Competitive Markets.”
This joint initiative by the two national networks—both NPOs/partners of CSR Europe—focused on strengthening the culture of sustainability within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. Key topics included fostering collaboration between large corporations and SMEs within supply chains, and the pivotal role national networks play in developing a shared sustainability vocabulary. The discussion was moderated by Dr Marinos Voukis, Chair of the Board of Directors, CSR Cyprus. Speakers included Anna Vasila (Manager, Sustainability Strategic Planning & Reporting, Athens International Airport), Vasilis Katerelos (Sustainability Director, Heracles Group), Sotiris Pastras (Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility Manager, Apivita), and Kyriakos Siakallis (Treasurer of the Board of Directors, CSR Cyprus).
The roundtable highlighted the experience of leading organisations, such as Athens International Airport, which participates in the Hellenic Pact for Sustainable Industry — an initiative by CSR Hellas offering targeted training and support to SMEs within the supply chains of larger companies. Participants shared examples of successful partnerships that brought together diverse stakeholders and businesses of varying sizes, including SMEs, resulting in measurable outcomes. Emphasis was placed on the importance of trust, a common language and understanding of sustainability, and alignment with European priorities.
A key takeaway was that sustainability should not be viewed merely as a cost, but as a strategic investment that delivers long-term value, drives innovation, enhances resilience, and opens access to new markets. Speakers agreed that National Networks like CSR Hellas and CSR Cyprus play a vital role in bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and shaping a unified sustainability language through joint initiatives and educational programmes.
CSR Hellas currently represents over 100 member companies and organizations, while CSR Cyprus counts 75 members. Both networks maintain close collaboration under a Memorandum of Cooperation and they are committed to promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability —both within the business sector and the broader community— with the ultimate goal of achieving balanced profitability and sustainable development.
