Nelson Mandela International Day: In Service of Humanity
In service of humanity, organisations are encouraged to dedicate their efforts, resources, and actions to improve the well-being and quality of life of people. This involves a commitment to act for the greater good, addressing human needs and challenges with compassion and responsibility. As we celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation, even at great personal cost, exemplifies the essence of serving humanity. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and organisations to work towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
The essence of service to humanity emphasises the fundamental purpose of serving the public and addressing societal needs with integrity, empathy, and a focus on the collective good. In your daily operations as an organisation, you must prioritise the needs and well-being of your staff, customers, suppliers, and the larger community you serve. It also entails ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in all actions and decisions, as well as actively participating in and contributing to community initiatives and causes. You should note that ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in all actions and decisions made for and by your organisation promotes ethical behaviour, which is essential for your firm’s long-term success and sustainability.
Since the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, a plan of action has been created to ensure the continued existence of people, the planet, and prosperity. Everyone, from individuals to communities, governments, and nations, has been called upon to address the world’s challenges. As key players in this global effort, organisations have had to adapt to the changing business landscape and ensure the safety and well-being of people, the planet, and the continued success of their operations.
Today, all private and public institutions are called upon to adopt practices that minimise environmental impact, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and using sustainable materials. The goal behind these practices is not just short-term cost reduction but also creating a sustainable business model that appeals to environmentally conscious communities and the workforce. Therefore, organisations today prioritise social impact in addition to their daily operations to attract and retain employees looking to be more productive, innovative, and loyal to a cause, contributing to the organisation’s long-term success and a brighter, more sustainable future.
Embracing social impact is not just a moral obligation but a strategic move for organisations seeking long-term success. By aligning profitability with social impact, organisations can anticipate and manage risks related to social and environmental issues, thereby protecting the organisation, people, and the planet. Many organisations employ various methods to monitor and capture data in their dealings, such as research reports and social impact reports. The data collected from these publications later dictates the best way forward. By maintaining a record of your successes and failures, you can identify patterns, trends and valuable lessons that inform your firm’s future actions.
In today’s business landscape, all organisations, whether for-profit or non-profit, are called upon to serve the public in all aspects of their operations. Commemorating Nelson Mandela is a way for your organisation to renew its commitments to ensuring the safety and well-being of people and the planet and maintaining profitability.
