Global Summit on Corporate Sustainability
Bringing the World to Prague Because There Is No Time to Waste
Imagine a conference where major experts and representatives from government, corporations, SMEs and start ups as well as NGOs meet to discuss common responsibility and actions to be taken to improve the lives of population coming from all over the world as well as from the Czech Republic. The issues debated and suggested do not concern projects and populations in faraway countries of Africa and Asia, but specific projects are shared that make a difference to people in the Czech Republic, such as the case of SAP and its Autism at Work initiative.
Imagine a conference that takes place not at an expensive five-star hotel, but in inspirational premises of the National Gallery.
Imagine a conference where panels are gender balanced; in many cases the organisers actually had to look for men to participate.
Imagine a conference, where the key note speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent, is the one of the most internationally recognised voices for quality education and women’s empowerment and the one of the most popular hosts of Oprah Winfrey.
Imagine a conference that serves vegetarian food to reduce carbon footprint, has music entertainment during the breaks and visual recordings to remind attendees of key messages.

Lucie Mádlová
Meet the woman who made it all possible on May 4, 2016 in Prague. It is a pleasure to introduce you to Lucie Mádlová, the Global Compact Network Czech Republic Representative and Executive Director of Association of Social Responsibility.
Lucie, how do you perceive today’s world?
It is wonderful how many opportunities and how much beauty we can enjoy in today’s world. It is beyond comprehension that we do not appreciate what is given, and by excessive, rakish consumption and unsustainable behaviour we are destroying lives of future generations. The more we have, the more we desire. We buy things we do not need, we are destroying natural resources, and our behaviour has a substantial impact on climate change. The data is more than worrying. More than a billion people does not have access to drinking water, while to many of us it literally trickles through our fingers. Three billion kilograms of food are wasted annually, while more than 795 million people are suffering from starvation. We are going to theatres to see disaster movies, not admitting to ourselves we might watch a harsh reality of upcoming days, unless we reconsider our unsustainable behaviour.
How do you perceive the role of the Czech Republic?
Regarding sustainability we are barely scratching the surface. We still have plenty of room for improvements and for inspiration from more developed countries. Our recent study showed that in the interest of sustainability people of the Czech Republic mostly save energy, avoid wasting food, save tap water, and sort waste. The study also confirmed that in comparison to 2013, people are more engaged in global issues in general. In addition, the data shows that 4 out of 5 Czechs think the government should be involved in reaching new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and 3 out of 4 would also include the private sector. It should be mentioned that a young, emerging generation is the one most interested in those topics which fit into its lifestyle. I consider it a positive trend; young people are not selfish, they are considerate and thoughtful, which is a great opportunity for employers. Young people want to work for a society which shares the same values, and social responsibility of their potential employer is a crucial criteria for many of them.
How does it happen that you manage to bring attention to the topics of corporate sustainability to the Czech Republic, to the country where population believes it’s primarily government’s responsibility to fulfil Sustainability Development Goals?
New Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were unanimously adopted by the UN member states (including the Czech Republic) in September 2015 with the objective to build a better future for everyone. SDGs clearly sets a direction for upcoming 15 years, leading to eradication of poverty, to a struggle with inequality, and to security of our planet. The wording of SDGs is a result of a collaboration of not only the UN member states, but also representatives of civil society, private sector, and academia of all continents. So, at the Summit Global Compact 2030, we did want to demonstrate to the private sector that SDGs bring opportunities for contributions to not only a better and sustainable future, but also for new investments.
The gender equality is one of the 17 goals, implied in many others. Are you in favour of quotas or do you suggest another approach for companies? And how do you see the fact that women often do not support women?
Women in the Czech Republic, on average, earn 22% less than men in the same occupation. More than 95% of CEOs of global corporations are men. Current projections show women will not have the same economic opportunities as their male counterparts until 2096. Certainly, something must be done about this. However, I am not sure whether the quotas are the best solution. In recent years companies themselves set ambitious goals to support equality of opportunity within their organisations and within their respective countries. And they are starting to realise that their investments into equality are returning. For example, in 2015 the leading management of Unilever consisted of, for the first time in history, mainly female managers. This is supported by a whole range of global campaigns advocating gender equality in a workplace such as HeForShe or UN Women. The campaign urges men to speak out against any form of discrimination or violence against women in their workplace or in their private life. Many significant figures and representatives – men – of the private and the public sector from all over the world are actively supporting the initiative.

Being able to witness your energy and dedication, and knowing that you are a mother of a 4-year-old daughter, what is your approach to work-life balance?
Honestly, work-life balance is one of the few things I struggle to get under control. I take work home with me, I go to sleep thinking about it and I am waking up with it. On the top of that I share an office with my husband, so our private life and our work life are fairly blended to a certain extent. And even when we find a moment only for ourselves, we manage to come up with new, interesting ideas, especially in the evening while having a bath or before falling asleep. Even though recently I feel like I am so exhausted I fall asleep even before we say goodnightJ. Mia was 8 months old when I founded the association. I worked during a part of a day she was sleeping, and then overnight. Now, she goes to a preschool but I am trying my best to spend some quality time with her whenever I can. Moreover, we devote Fridays only to ourselves, spending some good chunk of time together.
What are your final words for Czech and Slovak Leaders readers?
The way to sustainability is in our common interest. SDGs bring the most solid plan to date for new companies to find opportunities regarding the challenges of a modern society. And we are not talking charity here. Effective inclusion of sustainability into a business strategy requires a serious commitment. Cooperation is also vital. Companies must understand that cooperation – even with their competitors – is necessary, followed by common investment into common goals, facing systemic challenges. As one African proverb says: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
By Linda Štucbartová
UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. It has 13 000 signatories, 160 countries and 85 local networks. It encourages companies to align strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advances societal goals. Since 2015, the Global Compact Network Czech Republic has been active in engaging both local firms and subsidiaries of foreign corporations engaged in the Global Compact with respect to implementation of of the ten principles, while also creating opportunities for sharing knowledge, learning, collective action and partnership.



It’s always gratifying to read about a situation you predicted more than 4 years ago. It is also frustrating to realize not much has changed.
Change is the only constant in life or as some say, change is a fact of life. My company goes through a major change every other year, so communicating change has become an almost daily routine for me.























As a longtime New Yorker now living happily in Hrad, my blog will celebrate what I call the 3Fs: Food, Fashion and Folklore! I seek to educate as well as entertain. My responsibility to readers is to make sure that things and places I recommend will not disappoint their cultured tastes. As a food lover, I am looking for a simple but elusive combination of good food, decent portions, reasonable prices, prompt and courteous service, a charming ambiance, and an interesting history. As a fashion blogger, I am looking for fascinating, authentic, unique pieces and whatever I can recommend that makes you look better. And in Folklore, in addition to anecdotes about interesting events and personalities, I cover tools, technology and craft traditions associated with popular culture, travel, architecture and more.

The importance of strong leadership has never been more apparent. As events in Europe unfold dramatically in the wake of the British public’s vote to exit the European Union, we find ourselves looking to our leaders –and potential leaders–to guide us through this period of uncertainty and change.









































































































As a longtime New Yorker now living happily in Hrad, my blog will celebrate what I call the 3Fs: Food, Fashion and Folklore! I seek to educate as well as entertain. My responsibility to readers is to make sure that things and places I recommend will not disappoint their cultured tastes. As a food lover, I am looking for a simple but elusive combination of good food, decent portions, reasonable prices, prompt and courteous service, a charming ambiance, and an interesting history. As a fashion blogger, I am looking for fascinating, authentic, unique pieces and whatever I can recommend that makes you look better. And in Folklore, in addition to anecdotes about interesting events and personalities, I cover tools, technology and craft traditions associated with popular culture, travel, architecture and more.
















Having the opportunity to interview Mr. Stefan Höchbauer gave me not only a positive insight into the situation on digital transformation in the Czech Republic and its neighboring markets in Austria and Germany, but also an impulse to look at the technology from another perspective. More than ever, new technologies are becoming drivers of the business model change. The revolutionary examples of Airbnb and Uber show us how small players can grow into global ones and on the other hand, how the global ones might become smaller ones or disappear completely. In order to succeed, the IT needs to become integral part of the business to profit from the successful and long-term sustainable development.





















































































Who may wish to look over a stuff that has been reviewed and dissected for years pretty much. That generalization without a doubt may include the conventional essay teacher, who most of the time, more than likely suffers from unvarying and uneventful essay topics. Currently being creative doesn’t ought to be article writing on molecular polarity, or cockroach annihilation, or everything diverse your blogger cares small about. Really being different requires directed at what most needs the author, and discovering healthy sides from there. With such an end mission, not only does the essay coach may get rescued from getting bored, the writer’s primary imagining proficiency results in being much more enriched. Thesaurus will have to be a pal, although not the BFF variety. To the day time, pupil authors consistently consider that major written text produce the essay look cleverer and more authoritative. Go over that particular college diploma for a little as well as the essay changes pompous.
Trample on that particular amount and essay turns out to be incomprehensible. As George Orwell’s guideline of simply writing added emphasizes, “Rarely ever try a much time expression wherein a quite short you will do. ” Publishing on a simple and strong technique typically result in hassle-free going through, as opposed to chock-rich in sizeable expressions distract, alienate, and not to mention terrify away from customers. Enrollees obtain essay simply writing quite difficult, not as they quite simply don’t learn how to compose, but seeing that very high goals consider them down.


I have had the pleasure to know Irena Brichta for several years. We share two passions in common – making the world a better place in the realm of Rotary International as the largest service organization in the world with 1.2 million members and 35,000 clubs and supporting women and diversity. If I am to characterize her by only one word I would choose energy. She is remarkable for her eager approach and ambitious goals as well as reaching them. Just look at the unprecedented list of activities she is able to pursue besides her profession as a top executive search expert.
The year 2015 has been very successful for Czech Trade. What are your aims for the upcoming year 2016?





Having the possibility to interview H.E. Ivo Schwarz took me twenty years back, all the way to my university studies, when majoring in international relations resulted in one long research of the Czechoslovak assistance to Israel during its War of Independence. I also remember the times of my diplomatic career, when I was heading the Diplomatic Academy and met Mr. Schwarz; at that time he was the Head of Foreign Relations Department at the Office of Foreign Relations and Information and there was a close co-operation between the two institutions. When I was on a private visit to Israel, I decided to contact Mr. Schwarz and use the opportunity for a personal interview for the Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine. Despite his busy schedule, the Ambassador readily agreed and we had a chance to discuss not only Czechoslovak-Israeli relations (not a mistake but a reflection how is our country reflected and perceived), but also current security challenges and Mr. Schwarz’s outstanding career at various institutions of the public sector that are nevertheless rather secret in their nature.

Falls Sie minderjährig sind, fragen Sie bitte einen Erwachsenen, denn dieses Sammelwerk kann nur mittels Kreditkarte, Rechnung oder Bankeinzug bezahlt werden. Spiele kostenlos Casino? Da mobile Geräte erstaunlich fortgeschritten sind, gibt es da draußen genug Anbieter, die man als Online Spielcasino bezeichnen kann. Der Dealer hält eine 17 und zieht bei einer 16. Ein Online Spieler bekommt sein Geld zurück, wenn es ein Unentschieden gibt. In einem Online Casino ist es anders als zum Beispiel bei den Wetten, so dass schon mal eine Vorgabe von 50 Mal bestehen könnte. Öffnet dazu die offizielle Webseite von Paysafecard und wählt aus der Menüleiste oben über “Paysafecard kaufen” den “Online Shop”. Außerdem kann man sich für die beliebtesten Online-Shops Gutscheine holen, diese im Shop einlösen und Geld sparen. Dies mag vielen egal sein, viele sehen dies wohl anders, aber für mich hat Star Trek nach bald 50 jahren sein vorläufiges, sehr unschönes und bedauerliches Ende gefunden.

















Mr. Sharma, Vodafone is known as a company promoting women and diversity in general. How is this attitude influenced by your experience, being the only Indian in the company and often with regards to diversity, being the only male in the panel discussion to address such issue?
On 22nd April you selected the best Manager of the Year. The basic criteria for the MANAGER OF THE YEAR competition have been in place for a long time. However, have there been any improvements over the time, and have you brought some innovation to this year?




