BAHRAIN's private sector needs to look beyond giving donations to society and explore ways to pass on their experience and knowledge, according to a youth organisation. Most companies don't really understand the full concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), said AIESEC Bahrain president Ines Baricevic.

They think it is about giving money to charities, but there is a lot more they have to offer that can help society, she added.

Ms Baricevic said an example of CSR could be having companies pass on their knowledge and skills to empower the young.

"There isn't enough awareness of CSR, its definition is brief and generic and its implementation is pretty much linked with funding or donations," she told the GDN.

"Companies are databases of knowledge and experience, which can actually have a positive impact on society and companies need to use youth skills to implement CSR."

Ms Baricevic was speaking on the sidelines of the First Youth to Business Forum, held under the patronage of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair, yesterday.

The event was organised by AIESEC Bahrain and attended by 150 members and 150 university students and graduates.

Business leaders and experts spoke about CSR implementation in education support, health support, youth empowerment and for people with special needs.

Then young participants were tasked to develop practical business solution using a business model canvas and the input and support of workshop partners.

Dr Fakhro praised AIESEC for holding an event, which he said aimed at inspiring and raising young energies to look towards the future development of the country.

Dr Fakhro said the ministry shared AIESEC's vision of youth development and encouraged all efforts to improve competencies and skills in personal and professional activities.

He said the ministry continued to support the youth through training and other measures and encouraged unemployed youth to set up their own business ventures and to contribute actively to the economic development of the country.

"Bahrain's Vision 2030 is an ambitious and well-constructed master plan for the economic and social future of our nation," said Dr Fakhro.

"It places emphasis on our single most import asset, our human resources, and aims at promoting a better standard of living for all, by creating a higher level of activity within our economy.

"This dynamic event will contribute to raising awareness among the private sector to lead in the field of community development as a key partner of the government in creating a distinctive culture that contributes active skills for youth and guides them towards establishing small and medium projects."

CSR Society founder Khalid Al Qoud, who spoke at the event, explained that part of a company's role was to focus on helping to solve problems in society in terms of health, environment, culture and other needs.

He said the youth had a responsibility to focus on building their commitment towards helping companies carry out community service work.

"We see it as an opportunity for the youth to learn and practise doing this and for companies to do the main task which is building the future and lifetime projects," said Mr Al Qoud.

"The youth is the future and they have to understand the concept right and then they will take the first step into the future of where they are living.

"We have to listen to them, because each of them has brilliant ideas that they need to express and with the corporate help we will try to make it a reality for them."

Craig Consultants owner Kevin Craig said at the forum that he hoped to evoke a transformation within youth leadership to make them accountable and responsible.

"It's no good saying it is up to government, or policy- makers or corporates, they need to take a stand and take a lead and know how to do that," he said.

"I want them to be empowered leaders and not made small by the daunting prospects of what they want to achieve and their desires."