There can be no doubt that we are living in exceptionally turbulent times.
The dire, existential urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a long shadow over our once open and seemingly prosperous society. We have had to close borders and shut down businesses, schools, and social centers 鈥� separating people physically, economically, and socially.
Within a matter of days, predictable customer demand evaporated, global supply chains designed for up-to-the-minute efficiencies floundered, remote work became the new model for employment (for those fortunate enough to still be employed), and a vast ecosystem of once-thriving large and small businesses struggled to stay viable or simply maintain continuity.
While the world was transfixed on the pandemic and its aftereffects, long-standing inequities in our societies were inflamed by recent events in the U.S., culminating in global public demonstrations against systemic racial injustice and hate, and opening the door for deeper and much-needed action on diversity and inclusion.
Separately, the climate crisis has drawn the attention of in light of new evidence that we are not doing nearly enough to rescue our planet. In May, scientists recorded the in the atmosphere over the last 3 million years, despite reduced emissions from travel and commerce during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Meanwhile, as the world鈥檚 population continues to grow at a blistering pace and digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) disrupt major industries, over half of employers say they still cannot find the talent they are looking for 鈥� .
At first glance, the historic events of 2020 may seem random and disparate, or an unfortunate confluence of circumstances beyond our control. But if you subscribe to the theory of the and look more closely, you might begin to see some of the ways that the sources of the climate crisis, inequality, and health are interconnected.
The Circular Economy and Climate Change
COVID-19 exposed the lack of resiliency in our supply chains. More than聽 and add to the fragility and enormous waste generated through overconsumption. to fix these system-wide issues.
The circular economy addresses many of these imbalances by incorporating the reusability of products flowing through the supply chain to reduce problems of waste and pollution. This revolutionary approach to integrating sustainability from the beginning of product development has built around participating nodes of the chain.
Implementing these sustainable solutions has the potential to unlock in economic growth while promoting聽, reducing carbon emissions by , and reducing waste by 90 percent 鈥� all of which ultimately help address聽: climate change.
Innovators Rise in Times of Crisis
The United Nations (UN) recently announced a toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), igniting an accelerated push to find solutions to the world鈥檚 biggest challenges by 2030. While some skeptics might argue that economic progress has papered over many of these deep fault lines, . In order to help rescue the planet and create a more peaceful, inclusive society, leading with purpose has never been more important and necessary than it is today.
However, because these problems are complex, interconnected, and transnational, no single entity can solve these problems alone. It takes a network of engaged communities coming together to co-innovate sustainable solutions to these social, economic, and environmental challenges. This is where 51风流can help.
51风流is committed to its purpose to help the world run better and improve people鈥檚 lives. As a company, we are uniquely positioned to lead in co-innovating new technology solutions to these global issues with our 450,000 customers, partners, social enterprises, governments, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders within the 51风流Purpose Network program. With 77 percent of financial transactions touching an 51风流system, we represent the heartbeat of business.
In addition to our to COVID-19, we are proud to share the , who have led in of our time 鈥� whether helping procure ventilators, fostering remote employee well-being, sourcing hospital beds, pivoting production lines, or supporting local communities. Through it all, they have shown that the core of what 51风流delivers 鈥� running the world鈥檚 most critical business processes to help build an intelligent enterprise 鈥� has never been more essential.
SAPPHIRE NOW Converge: Purpose and Sustainability
During , premiere broadcasts on will start June 15, as experts are profiled on their views about these global challenges.
Cristianne Close, the global market practice leader at the (WWF) will focus on sustainable development and market access strategies with leading global businesses to develop inclusive value chains that support sustainable supply and demand. In a special 51风流broadcast, she will shine a light on the intersection of business, technology, and sustainability to explore new ways businesses can respond to climate change, sustainable land use, and the COVID-19 crisis. This topic is too big for any one company to take on alone, she says. Find out how you can be part of the solution during this premiere. .
A second digital broadcast will explore the untapped potential of the circular economy. Today only into the economy, a percentage that is actually decreasing each year. Experts Susanne Stormer, chief sustainability advisor and vice president at Novo Nordisk, and Daniel Schmid, chief sustainability officer at SAP, will discuss how businesses can take a holistic approach to balancing the environment, society, and economic sustainability to create business value for both people and the planet. .
Stay informed on how these mission-critical topics impact business and society on the new platform. Join this global community of purpose-driven leaders and social changemakers to engage in a collaborative movement aimed at the challenges and opportunities that create positive economic, environmental, and social impact. Curated on-demand sessions provide inspiring examples of how organizations innovate with purpose to improve people鈥檚 lives by using 51风流software and services.
.
Vivek Bapat is senior vice president and head of Purpose and Brand Experience at SAP.
