"Sustainable development (SD) is a development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
(United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1987)

Corporate social responsibility is about the way in which business takes account of the economic, social and environmental impact of the way it works maximising the benefits and minimising the negative consequences. CSR is a voluntary activity which sets a standard for the business over and above the minimum compliance with legal requirements, to address its own interests and as well as those of society as a whole.

What is HBLF?

The Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF) is a nonprofit association and representative body of local business executives, local representatives of international joint ventures and other influential business people in Hungary and is committed to promote responsible business practices that benefit business and society, and which help to achieve social, economic and environmentally sustainable development in Hungary.

This philosophy serves the interests of the companies, individuals and society and supports the sustainable development of Hungary through the three pillars of SD: economic, social and environmental well-being for present and future generations.

By the beginning of the nineties, environmental and social issues had become more fundamental problems within a more open and competitive Hungarian economy. The Hungarian Business Leaders Forum, established in 1992 by the personal initiative of Prince Charles, aims to respond to those issues as a partner organisation of The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF - http://www.iblf.org)

• Today HBLF has close to 100 members; local and international companies, small and medium size enterprises, nonprofit organisations and individuals.
• The HBLF, through the network of the IBLF  is in active cooperation with more than 50 partner organisations. This partnership offers opportunities for capacity-building and dissemination of international policy and good practice.
• Representatives of  member companies are actively participating in HBLF's efforts and projects through different working groups.

HBLF's mission

The mission of HBLF is to encourage companies to integrate corporate social responsibility and the principles of sustainable development into the everyday business practise. Members of HBLF promote responsible leadership for the long term prosperity of their businesses and the whole of society.

HBLF aims to

• increase awareness of the business leaders community in the role of CSR in successful business activity;
• support the integration of CSR into the business process;
• encourage cooperation and networking of all stakeholders; business, government and civil society
• assist the strengthening of an open and friendly background for CSR action.

Implementation of HBLF's goals

The Forum promotes

• partnerships with members to implement  CSR projects and achieve their goals
• opportunities for development, the sharing of best practice and the measurement of results in the business sector,
• awareness of improved business results in corporate social responsibility practice and their impact on the economy
• sustainable development practice, in order to establish healthier and improved conditions for future generations.