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Think global, trade social

Read the British Council article on how business and trade can address global challenges such as climate change and rising inequality.

We know that even significant development aid and investment from governments cannot provide all the answers to overcome these challenges on their own and to create the better world we envision. The way we do business with each other has to be part of the solution.

People buying goods

In the last exercise, we saw that the scale of international trade in goods and commercial services and investment dwarf the scale of Corporate Social Responsibility or aid, for instance.

We need models of doing business which:

Focus on the poorest and disadvantaged
Protect our planet and natural systems
Shape markets and trading patterns, rebalancing our economic system
Share the proceeds of growth more equitably
Harness greater co-operation
Embody transparency and accountability

The way we do business with one another is the biggest and most powerful tool we have. This means harnessing the power of business to address our social and environmental challenges.

The British Council report Think Global, Trade Social explores how business and trade provide the means to deliver the SDGs. We need practical economic models to deliver our goals for the coming decades.

More sustainable, socially responsible and inclusive businesses offer us inspiring models and a mechanism to help us achieve our shared objectives for more equitable and sustainable development. Business can be a means to deliver.

Task – 20 minutes

Have a look at the report and explore how business can contribute to society and the environment. What have you found the most interesting in the report? Share in the comments.