EVEN AMID THE CRISIS, THERE IS HOPE. The coronavirus has brought the economy to a near standstill. All learning institutions in the country have been closed. Restaurants can now only offer take away services and international flights have been suspended indefinitely. The government, for its part, continues to encourage those in formal employment to work from home. While doctors, caretakers and other essential service providers are working overtime, we have to stop and think about causes and consequences for sustainable business. This is the time. We can literally smell panic in the air, nonetheless. On a more positive note, we are experiencing reduced air pollution due to reduced traffic, and many families are getting to bond with each other, thanks to the Ministry of Health’s recommendation for people to stay home and only go out when it is absolutely necessary.
CALL2ACTION. While calls for change come from people and the planet, we have seen businesses adopting new principles; sometimes because of compliance with new laws, and at times due to consumer demand. This is the right time to adopt sustainable and inclusive business principles. It will build a resilient ecosystem for your business.
BUSINESS SHARE. We are happy to observe that the private sector is keen to contribute toward initiatives that seek to support the less fortunate by plugging into plans developed in collaboration with government and other partners. Some companies are using their distribution channels to make sure everyone can get access to hand sanitizers, while others are using part of their alcohol to make sanitizers (that is not for sale.). The telecommunication industry has also come in by offering free internet to students for them to keep learning from home. In addition, some have waived transaction fees there by reducing the burden to the citizenry.
IMPACT. Supermarkets are now partnering with couriers to increase home delivery to limit unnecessary travel. Now more than ever, in a time of crisis, the power of community, the power of businesses is used as a force for good. If this becomes part and parcel of any business system, we will be stronger, ecosystem resilient, interdependency sensible and we will take care of every challenge that may confront us. The acknowledgment of the fact that we are part of nature and not in charge of it should create a realistic perspective of the world and our place in it.
CHANGE FOR GOOD. Coronavirus has given us the opportunity to take another critical look at the structure of the economy and the role that the private sector has to play. Most people find it challenging as it requires innovation, creativity, change and long-term systemic thinking. We are looking at a model that connects the dots, that doesn’t have waste, includes all and provides what we need (jobs, food, health) while making the world go round and round in a sustainable way. That is what we call a circular world.
Stay safe. Take this opportunity to become an Agent of Change.
