The Kosovo Child Rights Coalition (KOMF) Has Also Begun Certifying Companies

Bulgaria’s only authoritative recognition for companies that support working parents and children is expanding beyond the country’s borders. The “Child-Friendly Company” certification, developed by the National Network for Children (NNC), is now licensed for use in Kosovo, while preparations are underway to register it for use across Europe.

The “Child-Friendly Company” certification is a unique recognition in both Bulgaria and Europe that assesses one of the most important elements of corporate ESG policies: the social dimension.

“At a time when work-life balance is becoming a key factor in career choices, our certification highlights employers’ competitive advantages. If your business is intentionally creating a supportive environment, implementing clear child-focused policies, and investing in children’s future, certification validates these efforts publicly and makes your company more attractive to employees,” said Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director of the National Network for Children.

Today, not only employees but also investors, regulators, and customers expect businesses to deliver more than profit—they expect a meaningful contribution to society. This is why ESG strategies have become increasingly important.

Most ESG certifications focus primarily on environmental aspects of business operations. However, the “S” (Social) component is equally critical. It encompasses not only workplace conditions but also a company’s impact on vulnerable groups, respect for human rights, and commitment to addressing social challenges. Supporting children and families falls squarely within this category and serves as a marker of long-term thinking and responsible leadership.

The certification is based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and on good business practices that recognize the private sector’s role in promoting children’s well-being. The process follows a structured framework and provides evidence that can be directly integrated into ESG reporting under ESRS S1 (Own Workforce), S3 (Affected Communities), and S4 (Consumers and End-users). This helps companies comply with regulatory requirements while delivering tangible social outcomes increasingly expected by employees, investors, regulators, institutions, and business partners.

The certification process also supports organizational development. During the audit, companies are encouraged to reassess internal practices, further improve conditions for working parents, build more meaningful partnerships with local communities, and offer safer, more ethical products and services for young consumers. All of these efforts contribute to a culture of care that is felt both internally by employees and externally by stakeholders.

As a result, companies holding the “Child-Friendly Company” certification build a reputation for trust, care, and long-term vision—qualities that cannot be achieved through a one-off CSR campaign.

To date, three companies in Bulgaria have been certified, while two additional companies are currently undergoing the certification process.

For more information about the “Child-Friendly Company” certification and the certification process, visit https://child.bg/.