Hidraqua and Red Cross Present Conclusions of the Third Business Forum

Cruz Roja Española and Hidraqua have presented the conclusions of the Third Business Forum aimed at seeking new alliances to address local challenges. This third edition was conducted through a series of provincial-level conferences, specifically in the towns of Elda, Benidorm, Orihuela, Sant Joan d'Alacant, and Santa Pola. In each location, local businesses were gathered to propose local challenges and ideas on Responsibility and Social Action focused on improving citizens' quality of life.

The organizing entities highlighted the success of this format change, which involved businesses and councils in its development and allowed for the opening of new channels of communication and collaboration to generate a greater impact on society.

Amelia Navarro, Director of Sustainability, Equity, and Social Action at Hidraqua, emphasized the importance of forums like this, resulting from the collaboration between Hidraqua and the Red Cross, "which help us to give visibility to projects carried out in the field of social action at the local level, as well as to value the alliances between councils, businesses, and entities." She also noted that in each session, "we have presented Hidraqua's management at the municipal level, as well as our Social Action Plan and the specific programs associated with the three strategic axes on which it is based: generating educational opportunities, promoting employability, and creating sustainable communities. In fact, the purpose of these programs is to create a direct positive impact on people, prioritizing situations of vulnerability and trying to contribute to addressing the challenges that society faces at a social and economic level."

According to María José Beltrán, Provincial Secretary of the Red Cross in Alicante, "Social Responsibility is not only a matter for large corporations or entities, but also for medium and small businesses, which add value to the community. For this reason, it was a wise decision to opt for this format where we have been able to gather ideas and share experiences with businesses, public administrations, and entities, and it has been very enriching to have done so in five towns in the province out of the 29 where the Red Cross has local offices, highlighting and demonstrating the capacity and development we have to be closer to those who need us," she concluded.

Francisco Galvañ, Provincial President of the Red Cross, highlighted the value that businesses bring to society. "In the province of Alicante, more than 1,200 companies are donors or partners of our organization, and nearly 500 maintain alliances to support the employability of people with fewer job opportunities, demonstrating the local business community's commitment to achieving a better society." He also added that "Hidraqua is one of these companies, committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable people and with environmental sustainability. The alliance that unites us has allowed the celebration of this Forum, of which we are very satisfied, and has enabled us to learn about new initiatives to improve people's lives."

The leaders of both entities presented a decalogue of conclusions that should serve, from now on, for decision-making and the launch of new initiatives. These ten key ideas emphasize issues such as the need for alliances, strengthening education, awareness, employability, and tourism:

1. Public-private collaboration is essential to effectively address social challenges. The commitment of the business and institutional sectors is fundamental in this effort.

2. Local councils are key players in promoting actions that fit the local context, individually and personally, through sharing with businesses and social entities. The role of public administrations is crucial in linking public funds with the work of non-governmental organizations and promoting social involvement.

3. It is considered important to provide educational opportunities, especially aimed at certain groups, to facilitate the connection with the labor market and offer quality and future employment opportunities.

4. The pride that companies feel for their work positively impacts their integration in each municipality, as well as their reputation and public image. Both large and small companies foster solidarity and convey enthusiasm through training and teaching.

5. Creating social and environmental awareness, especially from an early age, promotes sustainable and responsible behaviors. Efforts should also be made to facilitate people's access to social tools that allow them to adopt more supportive habits. It is important to adopt a strategy that involves all generations.

6. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase the dissemination of the various activities and achievements of alliances between businesses and the third sector. It is relevant to communicate what is done both externally and internally, to serve as an example for other organizations and to create a sense of belonging internally. The impact of forums like this gives visibility to the actions carried out, as well as the work with media and publication on social networks.

7. It is essential to foster close collaboration between the third sector, the educational field, and the business sector, with the aim of promoting employability, especially directed at vulnerable groups, in sectors with a demand for professionals.

8. Employment is key to social inclusion and an active way of social contribution by companies that play a fundamental role as an economic and social engine, with the possibility of improving, through employment, people's quality of life.

9. In the province of Alicante, it is essential to involve the tourism sector in the social initiatives of the municipalities through diverse entities, such as Hidraqua or the Red Cross. Tourism activity not only presents a growth opportunity for cities and job creation but also a boost for their responsible transformation, integrating sustainability criteria naturally and efficiently.

10. The tourist destinations of the province of Alicante must meet the demands of sustainability and environmental respect. To this end, councils must be the facilitators and promoters of these aspects, making tourism development and environmental protection compatible.