The document discusses strategic community investment, defined by the IFC as voluntary contributions by companies to aid local communities in achieving development priorities sustainably. It clarifies that this concept is distinct from a company's obligations to address environmental and social impacts. The discussion includes examples of community investment and invites participants to consider what they would like to see in their communities.

1. STRATEGIC COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT
Discussion led by Vimaljit Kaur, Consultant at MCRB (January 2015)

2. What is Strategic Community Investment ?
• According to the IFC, Strategic Community Investment involves
“voluntary contributions or actions by companies to help communities
in their areas of operation address their development priorities, and
take advantage of opportunities created by private investment, in ways
that are sustainable and support business objectives”.

3. What Strategic Community Investment is NOT
• Strategic Community Investment is NOT and should not be confused
with a company’s obligation to mitigate or compensate local
communities for environmental and social impacts caused by the
project. These issues are addressed separately in IFC’s environmental
and social impact performance standards.

4. Examples of Community Investment Linked to Business Competencies and Resources
Source: IFC (2010), Strategic Community Investment: A Good Practice Handbook for Companies Doing Business in Emerging
Markets, Pg21

5. What would you like to see as strategic
community investment in your community?
• ANSWERS FROM THE FLOOR

6. Moving on to Session 3 – Case Studies