Lithuania – E and CC

1. Objectives and Measures

Objective 2: promoting corporate responsibility and respect in the field of business and human rights [page 5]

The Government formulates and implements public policies mindful of the principle of responsible business and corporate social responsibility (hereafter referred to as the CSR) as an essential condition for sustainable development. Therefore, in its efforts to increase economic competitiveness, the Government not only promotes the use of renewable and environment­ friendly technologies that are best fit to meet long-term public needs, but also the development of socially responsible and human rights-minded business.

The CSR category applies to companies that voluntarily go beyond regulatory compliance in addressing social and environmental issues in their business operations. Respect for human rights in business is one of the CSR areas.

The CSR can be seen as corporate policy and practice, where companies voluntarily integrate social, environmental and transparent business concerns in their business operations and their external relations. Together with social and public partners, companies seek innovative solutions to address systemic social, environmental and overall economic well-being problems.

To achieve this objective, the Government shall implement the following measures

A. Implemented and on-going measures for the development of CSR in Lithuania

1. National Strategy for Sustainable Development. The National Strategy for Sustainable Development attributes CSR to the general priorities of sustainable economic development. The implementation of the principle of participation of enterprises and social partners provides for closer social dialogue, stronger CSR, public and private sector partnership, as well as sustainable consumption and production.