Georgia is gearing up for its fifth edition of the annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Contest, Meliora 2024. The contest, supported by the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), aims to recognize and reward the most inspiring and outstanding CSR projects and initiatives in the country.
A growing initiative
Meliora 2024, which means “better things” in Latin, was launched in 2018 by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG). Since then, the contest has seen remarkable growth and support, with over 30 partners and up to 20 media partners joining the initiative. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 120 companies submitted nearly 300 projects, covering various aspects of CSR and sustainability.
This year, the contest continues under the umbrella of the EU-funded project “Georgian Civil Society Sustainability Initiative,” enjoying support from both international and local business associations, as well as the Government of Georgia. Meliora 2024 aims to applaud companies operating in Georgia for their most inspiring and outstanding projects and initiatives in the realms of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, contributing to positive transformations in Georgia.
A competitive process
The deadline for submitting the entries for Meliora 2024 was February 20, 2024. This year, 59 companies registered with 86 CSR projects, which submitted their applications within 9 different categories. The categories are:
- Best CSR Project
- Best CSR Communication
- Best Green Project
- Best Social Project
- Best Employee Engagement Project
- Best Partnership Project
- Best Innovation Project
- Best SME Project
- Best COVID-19 Response Project
The applications will be evaluated by an independent jury, which consists of Georgian and foreign experts in the field, based on predetermined criteria. In order to avoid any influence on the decisions of the evaluators, the identity of the Georgian jury will remain confidential until the end of the competition, while the international jury can be found on the contest website.
A grand ceremony
The winning projects and companies will be announced at the award ceremony in June 2024. The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the government, business, civil society, media, and international organizations. The winners will receive trophies, certificates, and media coverage, as well as the opportunity to join the network of responsible businesses in Georgia and abroad.
Meliora 2024 is more than just a contest. It is a platform for showcasing and sharing best practices, inspiring and motivating others, and fostering a culture of responsibility and excellence in Georgia.
