Hivos Southeast Asia

Hivos is an international development organisation guided by humanist values. Together with local civil society organisations in developing countries, Hivos wants to contribute to a free, fair and sustainable world. A world in which all citizens – both women and men – have equal access to opportunities and resources for development and can participate actively and equally in decision-making processes that determine their lives, their society and their future.

Hivos trusts in the creativity and capacity of people. Quality, cooperation and innovation are core values in Hivos’ programme development and business philosophies. Hivos is committed to people in Africa, Asia and Latin America who are systematically blocked from rights, opportunities and resources. A lasting improvement in their situation is the ultimate measure for our work. One of the guiding principles of our philosophy is strengthening the social position of women.

Core values of Hivos are:

human dignity and self-determination
pluralism and democracy
focus on material and non-material aspects
mutual solidarity and responsible citizenship
respect for people’s cultural and social identity
responsible management of nature and natural resources

Social Responsibility

These values also inform the choices we make regarding the way we conduct our affairs and how Hivos staff behaves towards each other and the outside world. This will not only inspire people working within the organisation, but also all partners with whom Hivos collaborates in different regions of the world.

Our commitment to social responsibility is a consequence of our values and the resolution to act consistently with the Hivos programmes. Sound social responsibility also contributes to strengthening these values. Taking responsibility means being transparent and accountable for the choices one makes and the things one does.

We have chosen to focus our social responsibility policy on the following 4 themes, based on the link with the humanist values, practicality, added value and consistency with our 4 programmes and campaigns:

Integrity and embodying the Hivos Values
Diversity and Equality
Good Employment Practices
Environmental Stewardship

In our Social Responsibility Policy document we define each theme, and set out what they mean for Hivos. We also outline how Hivos takes responsibility within the Value Chain and how we interact with partners, donors, suppliers and partnerships. This document outlines the policy choices Hivos has made which will be translated into specific time-bound commitments in an separate action plan. We intend to report annually on progress against these commitments.