The Foundation for Social Change has just held its international conference. It’s hook: "Converting social responsibility in business opportunity." The event, organized in collaboration with the United Nations, offered an exchange of ideas on social change and the advancement of equality between men and women.

Billabong was recognized as one of the 2011 Leaders of change

Six other companies were also honored as leaders of change whose "the creativity, technology and resources that the private sector brings to our collective efforts in solving social problems. In a climate of economic and environmental uncertainty the "Leaders of change" awards highlight the way in which companies can have a financial impact on their end in solving social and environmental problems. These leaders show that "doing good is good for business.” Multinational companies such as Unilever, the British distribution giant Marks & Spencer and the surf brand Billabong, represented by its CEO Derek O’Neill, were recognized for their efforts.

The group, whose European headquarters are located in Soorts-Hossegor in the south-west of France, had indeed set up a monitoring system with Social Accountability International that oversaw its entire logistical process. Billabong, too, boasts a program of boardshorts made from recycled plastic bottles, as well as its involvement, along with SurfAid International, in various school programs.

These awards thus wish to reward companies that "not only do what is accepted, politically correct or good for public relations, but that which actually offers real solutions to everyday problems."