Bangalore, India - The Global Partner Network (GPN) along with the support of Business in The Community (BITC) organized the 'Seeing Is Believing' (SIB) Visit - a Corporate Citizen event for senior business leaders in Bangalore. The visit was aimed at business leaders to see for themselves how business can play a role in tackling some of the most pressing social issues globally. The Visit organized by the GPN was represented by Partners in Change, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore), and was led by Mike P. Wareing, International CEO, KPMG.

As part of the 'Seeing Is Believing' Visit, the delegates visited - The Association of People with Disability (APD); The Freedom Foundation - which addresses the issue of AIDS; The Aids Counseling Care Education Prevention Training (ACCEPT); Milana - the family support network of people living with HIV and AIDS; and the HOPE foundation, an affiliate of HOPE worldwide, Ltd. an international charity recognized for its compassion and high value per dollar donated.

The SIB traditionally highlights areas of collaboration between Businesses, Government and Civil Society agencies (NGOs, Charities, Voluntary organizations, etc.). True to its potential all the business leaders left the trip with a sense of understanding and with new ideas on how they could collaborate with civil society organization to make an impact on the society they operate within. A great case in point was when the KPMG leadership committed to help Freedom Foundation with the operation expenses of one of their AIDS/ HIV care units (Committing funds to the value of approximately USD $75,000) as a spontaneous gesture. There were also other similar collaborations made during the course of the visits and it was truly a case of win-win for the business leaders and the civil society organization who had participated in the event.

When asked about the initiative; Mike P. Wareing, International CEO, KPMG and leader of the delegation, said, "Increased competition and commercial pressure combined with rising regulatory standards and consumer demand has resulted in business facing challenging times world-wide. Conventional methods of business and expectations from consumers are all changing too. It is no longer enough to simply employ people, make a profit and pay taxes. Companies are now expected to act responsibly, be accountable and benefit society as a whole."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :

Meetali Saxena
M/s. Integral PR
Bangalore, India
E-Mail : meetali@integralpr.com