PwC is proud to be contributing to the Social Impact Alliance’s white paper on embedding social impact into everyday business – and its timing could not be better. We are living in tumultuous times and a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future requires cooperation across all sectors. Leaders are increasingly conscious of the imperative to transform their organizations. This white paper is an important contribution to the discussion on how to place social responsibility at the heart of the transformation our region needs.

Agnieszka Gajewska
PwC Partner,
Global Government Public Services Leader
and CEE Clients and Markets Leader

Sustainability and social impact will become more and more important in the near and mid-term future. (…). We believe that societies but also companies and even individuals must have the social impact of what they do at their core. I’m very confident that in the future Central and Eastern Europe will not only play a leading role in Europe, but even in the world, but to do this we need to put sustainability and social impact at the heart of what we do. As a company or as a society, if you don’t place social impact at the center of your business, you are likely to lose the hearts and minds of your future potential customers and employees.

Tom Kindermans
Managing Director Central and Eastern Europe,
SAP

No one can solve the increasingly complex problems and threats the world is facing today alone. Collaboration is key – global leaders from the private, public and social sectors must work together to find solutions. Fortunately, there are people in many industries and organizations who are constantly proving through their actions that it is possible to combine business with impact and thus change the world for the better.

Dominika Bettman
General Manager,
Microsoft Poland

Integrating social impact into organizational strategy is a critical pathway to sustainable success. This approach not only opens new avenues for growth but also fosters a more equitable future for all stakeholders involved, allowing leaders to drive innovation and enhance resilience within their organizations. Ultimately, aligning business with societal impact ensures that progress is inclusive and sustainable.

Krzysztof Sobala
VP at Mastercard Data
& Services South-East Europe

Media independence and plurality are the cornerstones of thriving societies. By ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are heard, the media sector can foster informed communities, uphold accountability, and drive meaningful social change. In the CEE region, embracing these principles alongside a commitment to social responsibility is essential for building resilient and equitable societies.

Marie Nemcova
Senior Advisor,
Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF)

The private sector increasingly drives investment, innovation, and impact across all three dimensions of People, Planet, and Prosperity. Maximizing private capital mobilization for public good requires the involvement of a wide range of actors, including policy makers, civil society, media and academia. When all efforts converge, environmental and social sustainability becomes core to long term business success, rather than an afterthought.

Ary Naïm
World Bank Group Country Manager for Poland,
and IFC Regional Manager Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania

Mobilizing private resources – time, talent, and treasure – for the public good requires a deep understanding of diverse stakeholders and the ability to navigate their unique dynamics. Organizations like the Social Impact Alliance for Central and Eastern Europe play a vital role as connectors, bridging sectors and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful impact.

Atanas Politov
Europe Director for Positive Impact,
Dentons

Social innovation challenges us to see business as more than just profit—it’s about creating lasting impact. While this shift may seem radical to some, Central and Eastern Europe has a history of adapting to transformative change. With bold leadership, the region can set the standard for a new era of purpose-driven business.

Daniel Nowack
Head of Social Innovation,
Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship,
World Economic Forum

Individuals play a crucial role in embedding social impact into business operations. As the real change agents
within companies, they are often the ones who take ownership of these efforts. This mindset not only drives
internal change but also lays good ground for industry and cross-sector partnerships. This strengthens their
own work and enriches the entire ecosystem in which they operate..

Klara Banaszewska
General Manager,
Grayling Poland