Companies and volunteers engaging in social causes

With the COVID-19 Pandemic happening how can companies engage and contribute to society and to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

por NTICS | 24 de June de 2020

The current scenario has shown how we are all connected as human beings and how one single action or individual can influence the lives of everyone else. At the same time that the pandemic brought fear, anguish and uncertainty, there is a greater sense of unity, collaboration and engagement of the population and companies.

In addition to the health crisis we are facing, we can already see an economic crisis as big as the one happening. Smaller communities are facing basic difficulties such as lack of drinking water, access to hygiene products and even food. Small and medium-sized companies, NGOs and informal workers are already at risk of being unable to work and consequently running out of income.

What is the impact the in all the chain? An individual or business action becomes crucial in the construction of a new scenario and puts us one step ahead to fulfill the goals of the Agenda 2030.

The awareness of the need of others generates a feeling of empathy, when we imagine ourselves in the same situation, awakening a sense of altruism in both citizens, companies and institutions. Worldwide there is a movement towards a new economy, now collaborative. The increase in engagement and companies volunteering in social projects, celebrities making big donations and communities that are increasingly united in favor of life and sustainability.

The behavioral change in the market and global trends were already requiring greater involvement of companies with social responsibility policies, voluntary practices and engagement in projects and initiatives. Global investment in sustainability has increased 34% since 2017, rising to 30.7 trillion dollars and 18% of the world’s money is invested in this market according to the 2019 Report – Global Sustainable Investment Alliance. The World Economic Forum conference that took place in January this year mentioned as one of the main themes the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030.

The Global Compact and the United Nations World Organization have already mapped some impacts of the pandemic on the 2030 Agenda. How to protect or contribute to the health of the population? What measures should be taken to combat poverty and social inequality? The world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative has sought to mobilize companies in supportive actions.

The Global Compact Brazil Network, along with other signatory institutions, are leading the Covid Radar Collective that emerged from the combination of companies that operate in different socioeconomic segments to articulate joint fronts that help Brazilian society fight the Pandemic.

HOW COMPANIES ARE ALREADY CONTRIBUTING

NTICS Projects: ODS AT HOME Campaign – every week posting on the company’s Instagram (@nticsprojetos) actions to be done at home that directly impact each of the 17 SDGs. The campaign is open to publicity partnerships and collaborative content. In addition, the project “Masks: Communities SP” which aims to collect and manufacture 30,000 masks in 10 days that will be donated to the Paraisópolis community in São Paulo, capital.

UFPR: Researchers are mobilizing to study rapid tests for COVID-19. Providing guidance material to immigrants and refugees in six languages.

Braskem: Donation of Material to Hospitals and Communities.

Vivara: Partnership with Red Cross Institute distributing hygiene kit.

Mosaic Fertilizantes: Investment of R $ 4.5 million in actions to combat the new Coronavírus.

Mapfre: Insurance company will pay damages in case of death by COVID-19.

Votorantim: Additional contribution of R $ 50 million to health institutions.

Sebrae: Campaign to support micro and small companies.

Among other initiatives available on the Global Compact website.

HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN CONTRIBUTE

1) Good practices

There are actions that can be implemented using tools and resources already available and can be applied both individually and through companies.

Financial support: Contribution with funds such as the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP): maps resources and activities of international health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) implementing priority health measures public.

International Committee of the Red Cross

União SP Against Coronavírus among others.

Raising awareness: The biggest weapon for raising awareness is information! Share information from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on precautions and also relevant content on the 17 SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals and messages of peace, love and unity. Avoid sharing news and information that are not true, as well as content with negative weight – that does not add.

Flexibility and adaptability: Try to be flexible considering work agreements with employees, suppliers and commercial negotiations. Adapt to the new reality, being flexible with delivery times, keeping payment commitments if possible and adopting a positive attitude.

Empathy: Get in touch with suppliers, customers, friends, colleagues asking if they need any support. Offer help as much as you can, either through conversation or an attitude.

Provide help and support: Map how your company can support by taking advantage of your global supply chain to increase distribution of essential items to the most affected areas and countries.

2) Quarantine with the Global Compact

The Global Compact Brazil Network is promoting a series of webinars called: “Quarantine with the Compact” that talks about the impacts of the Pandemic COVID-19 in sustainability. Experts share knowledge in virtual lectures with date and time. Check it out on the Global Compact website.

Changing socioeconomic and governmental structures is not a short or easy path. However, the current scenario has been emphasizing the importance of valuing not only individual profit but thinking empathetically about the needs of the whole. In the past few days, Brazilian philanthropy raised more than R$ 475 million in the Emergency Fund for Health, the #FamiliaAjudaFamilia movement that suggests donations through a crowdfunding platform among numerous other initiatives mentioned above. Examples that show a new reason for driving and a possible awakening to a new consciousness – more collective and collaborative.

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