Standard Chartered sponsors Economist Intelligence Unit debate – "CSR has nothing to do with charity"

Bahrain, Manama 27 February 2013 - Standard Chartered is pleased to announce that it will sponsor an online debate organised by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on the proposition "CSR has nothing to do with charity". The debate will run from Monday 4th March to Friday 15th March and will be hosted at a bespoke webpage www.ccdebates.eiu.com

The debate will be conducted in the Oxford style and moderated by EIU contributing editor Sarah Murray, a leading writer on the intersection of business, sustainability and philanthropy. Speaking for the motion will be Peter Lacy, Managing Director of Sustainability Services for Asia-Pacific for Accenture, while Margaret Coady, Executive Director of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, will speak against the motion. Mark Devadason, Group Head Sustainability and Regions, will offer commentary on behalf of Standard Chartered. Contributions will come from a variety of thinkers in this space, including Oxfam, WWF, Microsoft, Grameen Foundation, Aspen Institute, CSR Asia and Changing our World, Inc. The debate will be promoted mostly in digital and social media including a bespoke Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ccdebates

The title and content was developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit, which conducted a survey on several themes around the role of corporations in society and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The debate is open to participants globally, who are encouraged to vote for or against the proposition and contribute comments during the debate.

Claire Fedder, Group Head of Brand, said "Standard Chartered's brand promise, Here for good, is a reflection of what we stand for and our commitment to taking a long term view that supports our clients, customers and the communities in which we work. We believe that we have a duty to promote CSR initiatives within the wider community. We accept - and indeed encourage - healthy debate that leads to a better understanding of important issues such as this."

Standard Chartered's chosen partner for the debate is the Economist Intelligence Unit, a leading source of analysis and reporting on international business and world affairs. Through our association with the Economist Group and the Economist Intelligence Unit, we believe that this debate will be conducted to the highest standards of impartiality and neutrality.

For further information, please contact:

Noora Al Nusuf
Head of Corporate Affairs
Standard Chartered Bahrain
Mobile: 0097317150760
E-mail: noora.alnusuf@sc.com

Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns around 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank's growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 87,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The Bank's heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information on Standard Chartered, please visit: www.standardchartered.com. Follow Standard Chartered Bahrain at www.facebook.com/standardcharteredbh and Twitter @StanChartMENAP

About the Economist Intelligence Unit

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis. It provides accurate and impartial intelligence for companies, government agencies, financial institutions and academic organisations around the globe, inspiring business leaders to act with confidence since 1946. EIU products include its flagship Country Reports service, providing political and economic analysis for 195 countries, and a portfolio of subscription-based data and forecasting services. The company also undertakes bespoke research and analysis projects on individual markets and business sectors. More information is available at www.eiu.com or follow us on www.twitter.com/theeiu

The EIU is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in more than 40 cities and a network of some 650 country experts and analysts worldwide. It operates independently as the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group, the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs.