World Chambers Competition

Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project

Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

Iran

FINALIST

New Generation Bright Horizons 1 New Generation Bright Horizons 2 Project summary Origin

In Iranian ancient and present Culture, dealing with CSR Iranian Activities regarding social responsibilities enjoys matters is a ‘’must do’’ and all Iranian organizations try a very rich and old background and roots back to Iranian to have contribution in this regard. Although ECCIMA’s culture and religious beliefs. Isfahan Chamber of Com- merce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (herein after re- CSR activities has been started since its’ establishment, in ferred to as ECCIMA) has been involved in CSR projects recent years we have decided to form our CSR activities in since its establishment. With respect to the welfare level a systematic, futuristic and more efficient frame instead of reduction in developing countries and environmental is- dealing with scattered unplanned activities. In a research sues mentioned in Sustainable Development concept, pro- we recognized that in our society we have to focus on ca- posed by United Nations1, ECCIMA defined the sustain- pabilities of our youth and women, who have been kept able development as its main goal. Based on our research2 aside from the wheel of economy for many years. Their , sustainable economic development and sustainable social innovative ideas and expertise can be a great aid to reach development are the most important aspects of sustainable development indices respectively. We had a general sustainable development. question, ‘’HOW can we play a constructive, dynamic and In this regard, we started series of strategic activities effective role in our society?’’ under the term of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) Investigations on the economic and social status of the by establishing Women Affairs and Youth Affairs Commis- province in 2014 showed that: sions in order to provide better opportunities for women • Despite the population of women, which is almost equal and youth to be involved in social and competitive econom- to the men, only 15% of them are involved in business ic activities. To make a brief description of our activities, activities. Moreover, 48.81% of women are highly educated while 43.11% of them are unemployed3 . On the other we categorized our activities into two major fields: hand, male-dominated culture considers men as the only source of earnings for family, which impose an intolerable • Education, consultancy and inspiring activities: In this pressure on men especially in Iran’s recent bad economic part, we tried to provide a number of training courses to conditions due to sanctions. cover all the educational requirements for women and • While the government pays for youth and women’s edu- youth in various fields from psychological to commercial cation from national budget, putting aside their capabili- subjects. Moreover, we tried to eliminate the depressing ties from social and economic activities is a sort of wasting atmosphere caused by imposed sanctions against Iran by national treasure. • There is lack of balance between young generation’s ed- designing some inspiring and motivating events like ‘’The ucational level and available job opportunities, which is Success Path’’. leading young job seekers to reach higher levels of educa- • Entrepreneurial Events: in this part, we organized sev- tion and ask for better employment conditions (higher sal- eral events to introduce innovative ideas and innovative ary, better position etc.). In case they cannot achieve their products to potential investors as well as contributing to goals, these talented and elite youth might immigrate to participation of women and youth in international events. abroad seeking better job opportunities and higher life The significant upward trend in the number of women and welfare. youth involved in the business and economic activities, no- These factors convinced us to concentrate on women and youth empowerment activities. ticeable increase in commercial cards issued by the chamber for women and youth, increase in women and youth 1. The future we want, 11 September 2012, United Nations Gener- self-reliance and self-confidence as the result of the im- al Assembly 2. Prioritizing sustainable Development indices in Isfahan Prov- plementation of CSR programs motivate us for our future ince,13/06/2013, Reza Sepahvand & Mohsen Aref Nejad projects. 3. Statistical Center of Iran

New Generation Bright Horizons 3 Description

ECCIMA initiated strategic and integrated activities with Education, consultancy and inspiring activities the purpose of increasing women and youth participation Isfahan chamber of commerce provides great number of in economic activities in 2014. Our pre studies on the case educational courses to increase competitiveness in women showed that although the majority of women and youth and youth as well as SMEs. were highly educated, they need some especial expertise to 1. Training Courses and Consultancy: successfully participate in the economic activities. more- ECCIMA offers its members a package of courses with over, there were social and personal restrictions in order to the price of 4000 USD consisting 40 technical courses an- be involved in economic and social activities: nually as well as consultancy in these fields. It is worthy • Social obstacles: few job opportunities in limited fields, to mention that all the courses are free to attend for wom- sexism against women in the workplace due to the tradi- en and people under 40. Main topics of the courses are: tional beliefs, unequal salary, rights and behavior toward Marketing, Branding and advertisement, import and ex- women, low job security, lack of facilities such as insur- port regulation and custom services, law, arbitration and ance, male-dominated culture in the workplace mediation regulations, taxation, innovation development, • Family and Personal obstacles: significant decrease in logistics and transportation, banking and financial affairs, time spent with family members, difficulties for taking care and also MBA courses. According to our surveys over 79.44 of children during work hours, higher possibility of getting percent of participants in courses found them fruitful. divorce for employed women, exhaustion due to both work and home duties for employed women, higher chance of 2. ‘’The Young Merchants’’ training courses illness caused by stress and anxiety in work place, lower In 2013, Isfahan chamber established an elementary level of self-confidence in women, lack of awareness about school in Varzaghan -an Earthquake-stricken city in East Azer- their legal and social rights in the work environment. baijan province of Iran- with the purpose of reviving an educational department for children in the region. We also Although CSR projects should not rely on governmental provided some pre elementary business training courses supports, the role and effects of the government is unde- for the students and received great positive feedbacks. We niable. In this regard, Isfahan Chamber of Commerce as found that to have a dynamic economy, we have to pay a a non-governmental organization started its negotiations 4 especial attention to the children by providing educational with governmental sector of the province thorough PPDC infrastructures for teenagers. That is why we decided to channel to inform the government about mentioned obsta- organize Young Merchants courses for children and teen- cles and to find a solution for them. agers from 7 to 15 in Isfahan Chamber to introduce our On the other hand, ECCIMA organized several meetings young generation with entrepreneurship and trade con- with the Supreme Leader’s representative in Isfahan cepts as well as helping them to experience team working. province, Governor General of the province, City Mayor, and other authorities. The main purpose of these meetings 3. ‘’ The Success Path’’ event was to inform government about the challenges that wom- According to our surveys and number of attendants, this en and youth are confronting in the society and to provide event is among the most favorable activities of ECCIMA; better infrastructure for the participation of women and in which we invite the most prosperous entrepreneurs to youth in economic activities. share their experiences, obstacles they faced and over- To lift personal obstacles we established Women Affairs came, turning point of their lives and their recommenda- and Youth Affairs Commissions and navigated activities tions to business beginners. to empower women and youth by increasing self-confidence and self-reliance and consequently competitiveness in them. 4 PPDC: ‘’Public and Private sector Dialogue Council’’ in Iran’s Chambers of Commerce. It is a useful way to be directly connected After providing required infrastructure in the society, our with government’s decision makers and to inform them about the main mission, could more efficiently started. Our efforts in requirements of the society since the Governor General transfers re- economically empowering women and youth were catego- sults of these negotiations to top governmental authorities and the rized in to two main fields: parliament representative to legislate proper laws. PPDC of Isfahan • Education, consultancy and inspiring activities has been awarded as the most active PPDCs of Iran since 2014 for •Entrepreneurial Events 3 consecutive years.

New Generation Bright Horizons 4 _Entrepreneurial Events & Promotional Activities In our meetings with ECCIMA members, educational centers need financial and consultancy supports to implement the and other organizations, we noticed that some young people ideas. ECCIMA with the cooperation of related organizations have innovative profitable business ideas in mind, but they made an active contribution in this regard thorough:

1.Startup event

IKAB5 STARTUP EVENT

This special event designed to promote entrepreneurship 6 ideas were introduced to Science and Technology Town culture among university students and was focused on en- to facilitate the implementation of the ideas by receiving vironmental and agricultural issues. It was held during 2 services including: months with 91 participants in Isfahan University of Tech- Equipped office, industrial laboratory, and 15,000 USD nology. fund for implementation of the Idea. They also enjoy ECCI- MA’s full support including consulting services, introduc- tion to ITDO and ESPX centers

Startup Trip Event

“Startup Trip” was a 3-day event in which young entrepre- The top 3 ideas entered the incubator center of Isfahan neurs were gathered together to use this opportunity to University. they enjoy: make their ideas practical. The main purpose of this event • Full consulting services support from ECCIMA was to increase entrepreneurship interest in young peo- • an equipped office in the incubator Center ple to set up business in the field of tourism through some • 10,000 USD fund to develop and commercialize practical training courses. “Startup Trip” is designed like global nonprofit educational-experimental “Startup Week- end”. In this event, we had 90 participants divided in to 8 groups.

Hamnet Startup Event

ECCIMA organized this ICT entrepreneurship event in The accelerator offered: collaboration with National Elites Foundation and Isfahan • Equipped office for selected participants Telecommunications company. In this 4-day event, three • Collaborate in product commercialization with the help of teams were chosen to enter the Accelerator Celebrities. consultants and facilitators. • 15,000 USD fund to top three ideas

Women Entrepreneurship Event

Main objectives of ‘’Women Entrepreneurship’’ event was After training courses, 100 talented women were chosen to provide appropriate infrastructure for capable Iranian among 300 participants from 6 cities to participate in the women to encourage them to enter the entrepreneurial eco- event. During the event they were divided into 10 groups system and help them to exhibit their abilities and trans- working on 10 ideas and on the last day the top three scored form their ideas into money making businesses. ideas won the package gift including: With the collaboration of a diverse group of entrepreneurial • Financial sponsor women, including Mentors, Coaches, promoters, lecturers • space allocation in order to track the idea implementation and administrative staff our executive team started the • Free of charge consulting services project around 3 months before the event to collect talented • linking ideas with relevant organizations through our women from all around the country and prepare them for ITDO and ESPX centers the event by: • 1 year participation in training courses of Isfahan Cham- • Launching especial website for the event: http://eventcen- ber of Commerce free of charge ter.ir/swwi • Providing 300 hours training courses and workshops before the event.

6 Ikab is a Persian word pointing to a chicken that decides to fly.

New Generation Bright Horizons 5 5. International Activities Attending international events, visiting companies and meeting businesspersons all around the world, will give women and youth a perspective of their jobs in the future. So we decided to assist them to try an international experience by sup- porting women and youth to participate in: • Ukrain export and import exhibition. • SSGATE conference in Washanton D.C*. • Meeting with the Confederation of Indian women entrepreneurs to extend the bilateral cooperation between the economically active women in the State of Hyderabad and Iran. • The third national conference on women’s economic activi- ty with the capability approach, challenges and solutions in Egypt*. • The seventh gathering of muslim business-women and the fourteenth trade fair of OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooper- ation). • Holding conference with the topic of “ balanced economic development with the presence of women in the managerial position” with professors from Sabanci university of Turkey. • Meeting with Busan Chamber of Commerce, South Korea. • Inviting members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) from Baden-Württemberg to Isfahan. • Inviting the ambassadors from African countries in order to facilitate communication of young entrepreneurs with others. • fifth forum for business-women in Islamic countries. 2. Omid Event “Omid” in English language means “hope”. Considering heavy *NOTE: Aalthough Iran doesnot have bilatral political rela- pressure on industrial units caused by years of imposed sanctions with Egypt and USA, we believe that youth and women tions against Iran, we designed this event to demonstrate the issues are a globaly concern, far beyond the political boarders. sense of hope and innovation in current industrial and economic conditions of the country. During this event, ECCIMA provides companies an opportunity to introduce their innovative products to find investors or counterparts interested on joint venture for production of these products. “Omid” event consists of two main parts and ECCIMA has tried to organize these events in an effective way to cover all fields of industrial activities; In the first session of the event, innovative products had 10 minutes to talk about their product and then they unveil their products. In the second part, we prepared suitable spaces for product owners to negotiate with potential investors. In 2016, we held 5 “Omid” events and introduced 20 innovative products to investors.

3. Talented Girls of Turquoise City event This event was the most focused event for talented girls in Isfahan Province, and all the girls from all around the province and from different religions with different talents and capabilities were invited to send their profiles to ECCIMA or through the official website of the event: www.economicwom- en.com. After receiving 300 profiles, we started to categorize and evaluate them, and then we organized 100 hours training courses for each group. Among these 300 participants, 55 girls passed the qualification test successfully and during the event, they received admiration note and membership card of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce. With the use of this card, they could attend all the training courses as well as international B2B meetings and participate in ECCIMA’s foreign del- egations. They can also enjoy ECCIMA’s consultation services free of charge.

4. SPX and ITDO Establishment of ITDO and ESPX offices in ECCIMA was a great approach to help SMEs in finding their business counterparts, implementing innovative ideas and promote their businesses. Their dynamic services are free of charge and available for all women and youth introduced by Isfahan Chamber. For further information, please check: www.spx.ir and www.itdoiran.net

New Generation Bright Horizons 6 Results

During almost 3 years after implementation of our project in Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, we made some analitical assessments to see the feedbacks:

______Tangible results ______Intangible feedbacks • 2.7 percent increase in participation of women in eco- • Increase in women’s self-confidence and self-reliance nomic activities in Isfahan Province based on Statistical feelings. Center of Iran’s data. • Achieving significant success in fighting with wrong -be • Significant Increase (78 percent) in the number of com- liefs of the society againts the women contribution to eco- mercial cards issued by the chamber for women. nomic activities. • Remarkable increase (76.9 percent) in the number of • Providing specialized educational courses for exporta- commercial cards issued by the chamber for youth. tion and importation. ﻣدﯾران زن زﯾر 0 ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ ﻣدﯾران cards iscommercial c ﻣدﯾران زن زﯾرand pa0educational commercial ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ of women ﻣدﯾرانWining CACCI 6th Asia-percentage Pasific young of women enterpreneur pacommercial • Building cards ais bridgecommercialpercentage between c universities • award by Mr. Masoud2013 Jamali, one of the1270.00% most acrive centers26.45 and2013 bussiness persons,56.25 *to decrease1270.00% unemployment* 26.45 56.25 * * ﻣدﯾران زن زﯾر 0 ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ .youthﺑﺎ and ﻣدﯾران members of percentageIsfahan Chamber of women of Commerce. pacommercial cards isratecommercial among women c as 26.45 • Decrease52.4556.252014 women’s* vulnerability62.35 *in2384.00% economic24.52 and social 33.3 52.45 62.35 24.52 33.3 ﻣدﯾران زن nominatedزﯾرyouth 0 2384.00% ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ andﺑﺎ %1270.00ﻣدﯾرانpercentage of women pacommercial cards• Increase2013 iscommercial in number 2014 of c women the most exemplary exporters of the Isfahan Province. (2 environment.2015 2519.00% 64.04 72.41 29.82 50 2013 1270.00% women26.452014 and 9 young56.252015 enterprenuers* 2384.00% among *top2519.00% 15 export- 52.45 • Women’s64.0462.35 participation72.41 in 24.52national elections29.82 as33.3 candidates. 50 2014 2384.00% ers52.45 of 2015the Isfahan 62.35province2016 in 2519.00%2016).24.52 2704.00%33.3 64.04 • Increase76.9872.41 2016in people social78.0829.82 beleifs about2704.00% 56.52the importance50 of 77.7 76.98 78.08 56.52 77.7 • Increase in the number of women who are running a women’s participation in economic activities . 2015 2519.00% bussiness64.042016 or in the72.41 top positions2704.00% of 29.82the organizations and50 76.98 • Increase78.08 in women’s awareness56.52 of their own 77.7social rights. 2016 2704.00% factories76.98 among the78.08 members of ESPX56.52 center. 77.7 • IncreaseChart inTitle women’s capability in product marketing and Chart Title • Significant increase in the number of young enterpreneurs. negotiation with their commercial counterparts . 9000.00%• Since late 2014 up to the end of 2016 our ESPX center9000.00%Chart Title• Empowerment of highly educated youth to run their own could succesfully match counterparts together and as a business. 9000.00% Chartresult ofTitle their efforts we could reach 18 signed conteracts 9000.00% 8000.00%with the value of 3380312 USD for our young enterpreners.8000.00% • Nomination of Ms. Akhavan Nasab (member of the 8000.00% board of representatives of ECCIMA) as the president of Iranian Bussiness Women Association. 8000.00% 7000.00%• Significant increase in the number of female members7000.00% 7000.00% of ECCIMA who candidate for city council and parlament election which indicates an increase in women self-con- 7000.00% 6000.00%fidence. 6000.00% • Receiving so many endorsements from incubator cen- 6000.00% ters of universities whom we have refered our successful 6000.00% 5000.00%ideas for implementations. 5000.00% 5000.00% 5000.00% 4000.00% 4000.00% 4000.00% 4000.00% 3000.00% 3000.00% 3000.00% 3000.00% 2000.00% 2000.00% 2000.00% 2000.00% 1000.00% 1000.00% 1000.00% آﻏﺎز ﻓﻌﺎﻟﯾت 92 %0.00 آﻏﺎز ﻓﻌﺎﻟﯾت 92 0.00% 1000.00% 2013 2014 2015 2016 2016 2 2015 93 2014 2 آﻏﺎز ﻓﻌﺎﻟﯾت 201393 92 0.00% 2013 2014 2015 2016 94percentage of women2 participation4 in economic activities 94commercialpercentage ofcards women issued participation for youth4 in economic activities commercial cards issued for youth 93 آﻏﺎز ﻓﻌﺎﻟﯾت 92 0.00% 2013 2014 2015 2016 Commercial cards for women issu ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ ﻣدﯾران زﯾر40 ﺳل issued for women9 ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ for cards youth ﻣدﯾران زﯾرcommercial 40issuedﺳل94Womenpercentage directors 95of womencommercial participation cards4 issued in economic for women9 activities commercial 95cards 2 93 for youth ﻣدﯾرانcards زن زﯾر 40ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ Commercialﺳﺎلﻣدﯾران زﯾر40 ﺳل 9ﻣدﯾرانwomenyouth زنfor زﯾر issued40 ﺳﺎل94percentage of women participation4 in economic activities 95Youngcommercial directors cards

ﺷرﮐﺗﮭﺎ ﺑﺎ ﻣدﯾران زن ﻣدﯾران زﯾر زﯾر4040 ﺳلﺳﺎل 95commercial cards issued for women9 New Generation Bright Horizons 7 ﻣدﯾران زن زﯾر 40 ﺳﺎل Finalist eligibility

Evidently Esfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, since its establishment in 1931, have done great numbers of activities in the field of social responsibilities (CSR). Moreover in the recent years, ECCIMA in Project applicability globally connection with universities, industries and organizations has strived to solve one of the most important problems developing countries are facing in a systematic or methodical manner according the province’s needs and situation. Our world is home to 3.4 billion female and 1.8 billion Although so many projects introduced to WCC 2017, there young people between the ages of 10 to 24 and the youth are several reasons why we believe that we deserve to win this award: population is growing fastest than ever, especially in de- 1. We ensure that our CSR programs are inclusive for all veloping and least developed countries. Although some of type of people involved or affected by it directly or indirect- these youth and women are already involved in economic ly. Our employees are dealing with CSR projects as well and social activities and making contribution to sustain- as their casual duties, and we believe that these programs able development, many of them are feeling to be deprived are among their most favorable duties. CSR activities have by extreme poverty, discrimination or lack of information. strengthen the ties among employees and have increased a Contribution to CSR programs and dealing with women sense of loyalty and attachment towards the organization. and youth issues should be considered as a ‘’must’’ for 2. Through our CSR programs, we created an intimate worldwide chambers and NGOs. Accordingly, proper in- bond among the government authorities, business society and the public sector. vestment to educate youth and women and making oppor- 3. There is no end line for our project since there are still tunities for them is a necessity in order to benefit from women and youth whom our services will change their fu- their capabilities, innovation and ideas for a better future. ture. This award will aid us on our difficulties and moti- We designed this project with applicability in mind from vate our stakeholders to contribute even further. its beginning to the way that all of the activities could be 4. While Iran’s economy has been suffering from a terrible applied globally. As a witness, we could refer to our co- recession caused by years of imposed sanctions, we made operation with Chaharmahal and Bakhtiary Chamber of any effort to train capable and educated human resources Commerce6 to establish Businesswomen Committee there. to keep industrial units active. We proudly claim that our This committee is to help the women of that province to efforts could increase the rate of women and youth participation in economic activities of Isfahan province. We export their products. strongly fought with dim and hopeless atmosphere trough 6. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiary is a neighboring province to the leading women to successfully be both businesswomen and west of Isfahan, which is well known for its hand made carpets, mostly produced by women at home. house wives to keep their families happy.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square: A world heritage site built in 1598 in Isfahan

we continue our way to make bright horizons for new generatios...

New Generation Bright Horizons 8 Appendix

1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix Meeting with the Supreme Leader’s representative in Isfahan province dealing with social obstacles (Page 4)

Meeting with Isfahan Mayor dealing with social obstacles (Page 4)

4 Appendix ’The Young Merchants’’ training courses (Page 4)

Elementary school established by ECCIMA in Varzaghan, 2013 (Page 4)

5 Appendix ‘’ The Success Path’’ event (Page 4)

Talented Girls of Turquoise City event (Page 6)

6 Appendix