Between November 1 and 14, Samsung celebrates its 55th anniversary with voluntary activities involving more than 12,000 employees worldwide.
By Helvio Kanamaru, Director of ESG and Corporate Citizenship at Samsung in Latin America.
Helvio Kanamaru, Director of ESG and Corporate Citizenship at Samsung in Latin America.
Corporate citizenship is key to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[1]which addresses global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change. Sharing – whether knowledge, resources or time – is a powerful tool for building a more inclusive and sustainable future, aligning our activities with these global objectives.
With this in mind, Samsung celebrates its 55th anniversary by strengthening the practice of one of its core values, “People”: people first. Taking place from November 1 to 14, Samsung Nanum Weeks has more than 12,000 employees from 55 subsidiaries and 23 branches in corporate volunteer actions focused on education, innovation and sustainability, reinforcing the efforts made locally during the year at our corporate citizenship programs under the vision “Together for Tomorrow! Empowering People.”
The word nanum in Korean means “some,” a concept that reflects the spirit of community and generosity closely associated with volunteering. Here I would like to highlight two of the objectives of our “nanum” weeks:
Sharing experiences
Our employees are essential to building Samsung’s social impact. In our corporate volunteer programs, they are committed to sharing their time, knowledge and energy for the benefit of communities, reinforcing the value of teamwork and commitment to the company’s social purpose. This commitment is a form of personal and professional development for our employees as agents of social change, as well as having a direct impact on the beneficiaries.
Sharing education
Samsung understands that education is the foundation of a more inclusive and sustainable future and, along with this important pillar, volunteering is one of the most authentic ways to share. During Nanum Week, Samsung strengthens its relationship with students in its education programs Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) and Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) by having its employees interact with young students in dynamic talks and mentoring sessions.
For Samsung, sharing knowledge means investing in young innovators and preparing them to find solutions to real problems in their communities. Our educational programs connect the new generations with practical learning opportunities, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, programming, innovation and sustainable development, using technology to empower them as agents of change.
Remember Weeks in Latin America
During these two weeks, hundreds of Samsung employees in more than 12 Latin American countries will participate in volunteer activities in social organizations and with young people participating in our Corporate Citizenship programs.
As we celebrate Samsung’s 55th anniversary, we also reflect on another of the company’s values, “Co-Prosperity,” and strive to put it into action. May the concept of “nanum” inspire all of us in our communities!
Interview: Celebrating Corporate Citizenship at Samsung – A Conversation with Helvio Kanamaru
Time.news Editor: Hello, Helvio! Thank you for joining us today. As the Director of ESG and Corporate Citizenship at Samsung in Latin America, you’re in a unique position to discuss the important intersection of corporate responsibility and sustainability. As Samsung celebrates its 55th anniversary with significant voluntary activities, can you tell us a bit about the impact of these initiatives?
Helvio Kanamaru: Thank you for having me! Our 55th anniversary is not only a moment of reflection but also an opportunity to re-commit to our core values. Between November 1 and 14, over 12,000 employees from 55 subsidiaries and 23 branches are participating in volunteer actions focused on education, innovation, and sustainability. We believe that corporate citizenship is fundamental to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing global challenges like poverty and climate change.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive! Can you elaborate on how these initiatives specifically contribute to the SDGs?
Helvio Kanamaru: Certainly! Our activities aim to embody the spirit of “nanum,” which translates to “sharing” in Korean. This concept emphasizes community and generosity. Through our corporate volunteer programs, employees share their time, knowledge, and skills, which not only empowers the communities involved but also aids in personal and professional development for our employees. Each initiative is designed with clear objectives in mind, ensuring that we make meaningful contributions aligned with the SDGs.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned education as a key focus area. How does Samsung support educational initiatives within its communities?
Helvio Kanamaru: Education is indeed the foundation of a more inclusive society. Through our volunteer programs, we provide tutoring, digital literacy training, and resources to local schools and organizations. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, we hope to foster a sustainable cycle of growth and development. The commitment of our employees as mentors and educators not only enhances their personal growth but also has a direct, positive impact on the beneficiaries, reinforcing our dedication to social change.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a win-win situation. What feedback have you received from both employees and the communities you’re serving?
Helvio Kanamaru: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees often share how these experiences deepen their connection to the company and its values. For the communities, they appreciate the genuine efforts and resources we provide, which often lead to transformative changes in their educational access and opportunities. Observing the tangible impact of their contributions really motivates our teams.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear! As we look ahead, what are your long-term goals for Samsung’s corporate citizenship initiatives, especially in Latin America?
Helvio Kanamaru: Our vision is encapsulated in our motto: “Together for Tomorrow! Empowering People.” We aim to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the regions we serve. This involves strategic partnerships with local organizations, continuous engagement with our communities, and aligning our initiatives closely with global objectives to ensure we are part of the solution to today’s most pressing challenges.
Time.news Editor: Helvio, thank you for sharing these insights! It’s inspiring to see such dedication to corporate citizenship and community service. We look forward to following Samsung’s journey in the realm of social impact.
Helvio Kanamaru: Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to discuss our initiatives, and we’re excited about what the future holds. Together, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive planet.