Social and environmental challenges require a holistic view of the world, innovation and the involvement of various stakeholders in understanding these challenges and in finding solutions. Assuming that the corporate sector is mainly driven by profit-oriented companies that solve economic, technological and other challenges, civil society organizations as well as public institutions put the environmental or social non-profit goals on the first place. All have certain knowledge and behaviors, and successful cooperation, understanding, and exchange of knowledge could lead to more success in addressing sustainable challenges and contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs). Of course, we should not forget about other stakeholders such as social enterprises (a mix of both worlds), public institutions that enable and support such cooperation, the educational sector, the media, and others.
With the 2021 Annual Trends in CSR Conference we want to raise awareness on the importance of cooperation and joint action of governments, civil society and the private sector, which is goal 16 within the Sustainable Development Goals. That respect and dialogue between different stakeholders and sectors is not always self-evident was further emphasized by the global social crisis - the corona crisis.