Aquí Europa
King Felipe VI has presented the CODESPA Awards, which recognize the private sector’s commitment to decent and stable work. The event took place this past Monday at the Repsol Campus in Madrid, headquarters of the multi-energy company, on the occasion of the Board of Trustees meeting.
The winners of this edition are the Peruvian company Pesquera Diamante in the Solidarity Company category, for its initiative “Tambos Pesqueros Diamante”; the Ecuadorian multinational Kruger Corporation, in the Inclusive Business category, for its project “Exponential technology for agriculture through traceability with blockchain”, and the journalist Pablo Sánchez Olmos, who received the Journalism for Development award for his work “A sustainable alternative for the Golden Triangle.”
In this twenty-second edition, we wanted to highlight the involvement of the private sector in the search for social and economic change for the most vulnerable people and promote their inclusion in society. The role of journalism in making these actions visible has also been highlighted.
Before handing out the awards, the King held a meeting with the CODESPA board, which he honorably presides over; and he has greeted the partners of the Business Observatory for Inclusive Growth, a business platform promoted by CODESPA together with the IESE Business School and Boston Consulting Group.
During the event, he referred to the purpose and impact of CODESPA as an engine of economic development for the most vulnerable: “What began then as a small seed of hope has blossomed into a tangible reality that reaches numerous countries, with an impact very positive in the lives of millions of people and the communities of which they are part. Despite the difficult context in which you operate, you demonstrate that your enthusiasm and commitment increase, year after year, with each project you carry out.”
Furthermore, he has valued the importance of the role that companies play in sustainable development, “they have a lot of capacity to influence the future we want. A future with opportunities for all”, because your involvement allows CODESPA and other organizations to ensure that their work reaches more people. “Today we celebrate that CODESPA is not alone in that mission. It does so with the help of many organizations and entities that are here. Because, to face the enormous current social challenges, the commitment of the entire society is needed.” His Majesty has been accompanied by Pilar Cancela, Secretary of State for Migration.
Solutions that involve the most vulnerable
The jury of the XXII edition of the CODESPA Awards – chaired by Antonio Rodríguez-Pina, president of the Board of Directors of Deutsche Bank and president of CUNEF – has chosen as winners a Peruvian company, Pesquera Diamante, and an Ecuadorian company, Kruger Corporation.
Pesquera Diamante, with its initiative “Tambos Pesqueros Diamante”, has improved the nutrition of pregnant women and children by incorporating oily fish into their diet. In addition, it has promoted a network of businesses for women, in order to ensure the quality of the fish, so that they can be sold at an adequate price.
Kruger Corporation plays a crucial role with its project “Exponential Technology for Agriculture through blockchain traceability,” benefiting small farmers in Ecuador and Colombia by improving the quality and safety of their crops, as well as promoting fair trade.
Pablo Sánchez Olmos has won the CODESPA Prize for Development Journalism for his report “A sustainable alternative for the Golden Triangle”, which helps make visible a sustainable practice that transforms the reality of a society affected by violence and the lack of opportunities in the Mexican mountain range of Durango (El Mundo).
Achieve economic and human development
During the event, King Felipe VI encouraged those present to pursue their aspirations: “Do not stop believing that it is possible, as a group of pioneers did, including my grandfather, Don Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, by assuming the challenge of being the first honorary president of CODESPA. Since I took over, I have presided over these awards and met companies and professionals who are an example of true social commitment.”
The CODESPA Awards have had the collaboration of journalist Javi Nieves as presenter. The meeting was made possible by Clínica Baviera and the Prosegur Foundation, as well as Repsol, hosting the event in Madrid at the company’s headquarters.
The Spanish multinational Antolin has been finalist in the XXII edition of the CODESPA Awards with its program “Village Upliftment Program: a social circular economy project, a new life for a town”; the also Spanish SQRUPS with its initiative “Including the Future”; and the journalist José Ignacio Martínez Rodríguez, with the report “The daily half marathon of the Nchira sisters to go to class” (El País, Planeta Futuro Section, digital).
This XXII edition marks another milestone in the organization’s mission to recognize and celebrate excellence in social commitment and sustainable development. CODESPA hopes that it will inspire more companies and professionals to join the cause of sustainable development and contribute to global well-being.
About CODESPA awards
Building an economy that provides opportunities for all is a global challenge, manifested in all its breadth thanks to the Sustainable Development Goals. Solutions to inequality, poverty and social injustice require the commitment of everyone. Companies, due to their role in the economic development of nations, and communication professionals, due to their own mission, can be great drivers of change towards a world that progresses for everyone equally. Thus, in 1997 the CODESPA Awards were born with the mission of promoting the participation of the private sector and communication professionals in current social challenges. They are currently chaired by our Honorary President, H.M. King Felipe VI, and are celebrated every two years. More information.
About CODESPA
CODESPA is a development cooperation NGO with more than 35 years of experience. Since its founding in 1985, it has promoted sustainable and lasting solutions to address the causes of extreme poverty in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Its actions combine the participation of the local community, the proven experience of professional teams and the involvement of the public and private sectors. Creates business and employment opportunities for the most vulnerable, guaranteeing their access to training, financial services and the market. His methodology has taken more than 5 million people from poverty to prosperity. The Honorary President is H.M. King Felipe VI.
