At the annual Award Ceremony, hosted by the Global Compact Network Georgia – “Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2020 – Business for Sustainable Development”, Crystal was announced as the Winner in the category “Sustainable Consumption and Production” (SDG #12) for its “Green Financing” project.
The “green finance” line (Crystal Green) has been in place in Crystal since 2018. By offering green alternatives to customers, the project aims to promote the financing of eco-friendly solutions, thereby contributing to reduction of negative impact on the environment.
The Head of Crystal’s Environmental and Social Responsibility Division and the winner of the UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer 2019 Award, Maya Kobalia was among the jury of this year’s Award Category: SDG Pioneer 2020. She was the one to award the new SDG Pioneer 2020 Award to Valeri Chekheria, CEO of the “Adjara Group”.
The CSR Award competition brought together 74 companies, with the winners being announced in 8 nominations/categories: poverty eradication (SDG #1), quality education (SDG #4), decent work and economic growth (SDG #8), sustainable cities and settlements (SDG #11), sustainable consumption and production (SDG #12), partnership for sustainable development (SDG #17), SDG Pioneer, media for responsible business in Georgia.
The jury was comprised of the international and local experts, distinguished for their exceptional job in the cause of advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
“Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2020 – Business for Sustainable Development”, which has been successfully held for the third year in a row, celebrates Georgia-based business companies for their exceptional projects and initiatives in the field of corporate social responsibility.
Amidst the global pandemic, the Awards ceremony was held remotely this year. Due to live broadcasting, any interested person could attend the event to cheer up on the participants.
It is noteworthy that Crystal has been announced a winner in the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards on several occasions previously, namely:
2019
Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2019 – Business for Sustainable Development – Crystal became the winner in the nomination “Gender Equality and Women Empowerment” (SDG #5). The event was hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Georgia.
2018
Meliora: Crystal received Grand Prix, being named as the most responsible company of the year. The event was organized by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) with the support of the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation-led Consortium.
About JSC MFO Crystal: JSC MFO Crystal (“Crystal”) is the leading financial inclusion organization and the largest (by assets) non-banking financial institution in Georgia. It manages a loan portfolio of GEL 315 million, employing more than 1,000 members of staff, operating through 48 branches and serving more than 100,000 unique customers across Georgia. Crystal acts as a platform for economic development, providing micro and small entrepreneurs and farmers with innovative financial products and services tailored to their needs. Crystal is the first Fitch-rated non-banking financial institution in the region. In December 2018, Crystal received the nation’s responsible business award, “Meliora“.