PwC Cyprus’ socially responsible character was highlighted for yet another year, as revealed by the Review of its 2020 Corporate Responsibility (CR) programme, covering the period July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020.

The organisation’s CR efforts focused on supporting the local community, protecting the environment, fostering youth entrepreneurship and assisting Cypriot businesses in the midst of the pandemic.

The following is a more detailed breakdown of PwC’s 2020 CR efforts.

Social action

PwC Cyprus awarded top-performing students of the University of Cyprus and other universities in Cyprus.

Furthermore, with the support and active participation of its people, PwC organised its annual blood donation for the 18th consecutive year, and participated in Europa Uomo Cyprus’ Movember campaign.

The organisation also offered pro bono services to 31 charities, as well as donations totalling €73,000.

Additionally, PwC is a keen supporter of cultural foundations promoting arts and culture, such as the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the Pharos Arts Foundation.

Youth entrepreneurship

PwC supported the local community and promoted youth entrepreneurship and innovation via strategic partnerships with educational and business organisations, such as the University of Cyprus, Junior Achievement Cyprus, Chrysalis LEAP and the RISE Centre of Excellence, Research and Innovation.

Throughout the year, PwC’s people volunteered 654 hours mentoring students and young entrepreneurs, while over €74,000 was invested in corresponding initiatives.

Environmental stewardship

Aware of its eco responsibilities and the importance of reducing its carbon footprint, PwC Cyprus implemented a comprehensive Environmental Management System this year, by which best practices were applied for the greener management of daily operations.

Also during the year, PwC Cyprus acquired two environmental certifications: firstly, its premises were certified as “Green Offices”, and secondly, its environmental management system was updated in line with the international ISO 14001: 2015 standard.

Responsible business

Throughout the period covered by the 2020 review, PwC supported the island’s business community by compiling and publishing materials such as: “Restart Cyprus”, “COVID-19 – Impact of the pandemic on the Cyprus Economy” and “Restart Cyprus: Now”, organising events and online discussions, as well as producing two studies, in which Cypriot CEOs and CFOs shared their views on important matters of concern. Furthermore, pro bono services worth €125,000 were offered to organisations and charities.

“The organisation’s Corporate Responsibility programme focuses on society, volunteerism, the involvement of our people and the utilisation of their specialised knowledge,” PwC Cyprus CEO Evgenios Evgeniou noted.

“The initiatives and actions with which we choose to interact with Cypriot society, are structured so as to contribute to the common effort to strengthen the social fabric.”

You can read PwC Cyprus’ full report on its social action at: http://www.pwc.com.cy/cr-review.