Corporate social responsibility in Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Music: Coldplay, A Message; Paul Simon, American Tune.
Books: Not reading anymore ...
Beers: Maredsous Blonde, Maredsous Brune

A whole day devoted to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Europe. Not that I don’t see the value in studying the European mindset with regards to CSR, but this day couldn’t have been more difficult to get through if they’d planned it this way. We begin with a few episodes of the Sherridan show, followed by Prof. Murphy, who fails to hit home despite a valiant attempt. The high point of the day comes when we leave the AU for a visit to the European Council where, seated in the privileged spots occupied by member state representatives (I was Italy), we have the honor of XXX’s company. Up to this point, I’m making a valiant attempt to remain interested, but the day’s tedium is catching up to me, and I must admit to having little to no energy to get involved in this particular discussion. But, as should have been expected from this bunch, the question period generates but one question, from Frei. He is absolutely indefatigable, and his stamina and mental clarity are both impressive. I’m trying to keep up, I really am, but at this point I’m fighting more than fatigue.

Back at the AU, we have a visit from David Jerome from the Inbev corporation, the world’s largest brewer, to discuss CSR as he practices it. He is genial and engaging, and he manages to get some reactions from the group (Jamin and Isabelle perk up at this point), but once again, I feel as though we are tragically misusing this opportunity. He provokes some thought when he challenges us to question whether CSR should matter to corporations. He does manage to connect on some other points, but the most immediately beneficial takeaway from his lecture is just how much the corporate world needs to take a moment and think things through from time to time. Nothing he says seems otherworldly in inspiration, but the poise he shows in his approach, and the intellectual discipline it takes to see solutions through to measured and careful implementation is admirable.

Back at Pablo and Sara’s, we arrive just in time for dinner: the much-awaited polenta! I really am starting to feel sorry for our classmates, who aren’t even collectively achieving the levels of comfort and culinary delight that Sara offers so effortlessly. I feel so privileged and fortunate to have been allowed to benefit from their hospitality. This has so many elements of my first few weeks in Italy that the similarities are evoking powerful memories from all those years ago. Even the way Sara greets me in the morning reminds me of Valentina …

Sophie joins us after we finish off the flan, and after making some conversation, we head out for Chelsea bar. What should have been an opportunity to regain what is mine turns into a quiet conversation with Jason and Jin Tae. Far from boring, this conversation spans subjects of a political nature, and as usual in Frei’s company, exceeds anything that would have been discussed with the expected crew. Not a value judgement, but I have to mention it because I have some level of admiration for Frei’s focus: the man is determined to push himself at all times, and is always ready and capable to participate in the most enlightened of conversations. I’m not used to that very much, and it’s actually nice for a change. He alone, it seems, is responsible for my continued intellectual vigilance at Notre Dame.

(Wow. Is that really true?)