“We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!”
Benjamin Franklin
The world stands at a crucial crossroads. An increasing number of arising and escalating conflicts all around us. Growing tensions and concerns on how to proceed and a potentially unsafe environment. In such times “sustainable thinking” is no longer a choice but a necessity. Businesses in all sectors are now facing a pressing pain point: integrating sustainable practices into their core strategies amidst rapidly evolving global standards and expectations. The “2030 SDGs Game” is an effective intervention method to initiate and support action in this. It is an interactive learning experience that helps companies dive into the topic and foster the planning of sustainability actions. Learn why it is more than just a “game” and you should get in touch and schedule a session.
The Challenge of Change
As Europe claims to stride towards a greener future, businesses are grappling with the dual challenge of fostering sustainable development while maintaining competitiveness. The transition requires not just a shift in operations but a transformative change in organizational mindset and culture. The “European Green Deal” documents the European Union’s intention to become the world’s first climate-neutral bloc by 2050. This encompasses a wide range of actions designed to reduce emissions, promote clean energy, invest in environmental conservation, and stimulate sustainable industry and agriculture, carbon pricing, sustainability reporting requirements, and regulatory changes that provide a framework. These initiatives will soon affect all stakeholders and urge them to take action in these fields.
Addressing a Real Business Concern
Despite increasing efforts by policymakers and significant changes in consumer demands to move in that direction businesses are often struggling. They are occupied with trying to streamline and optimize operations and meeting their goals. Apparently, they don’t have time for thinking about “greener economy” or “sustainability”. But far-fetched: THIS IS COMPLETELY WRONG. In fact, it’s in their utmost interest to think of sustainability to prevail in business. The more attention companies pay to the long-term impact of their actions the more beneficial it is to them.
The IBM Institute for Business Value’s study, “Beyond checking the box – how to create business value with embedded sustainability,” provides substantial evidence supporting the notion that “sustainability thinking pays off.” Surveying 5,000 C-suite executives worldwide, it found that companies integrating sustainability into their operations are 75% more likely to see improved revenue and 52% more likely to outperform in profitability. This underscores the financial benefits of sustainable practices alongside positive environmental impacts (see “Embedding Sustainability in Business Operations Pays Off”).
Picking up on Sustainability through the 2030 SDGs Game
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as elaborated by the United Nations, therefore provide a practical framework with predefined goals and objectives to be met to move into a more sustainable future. Many business already relate their business operations and targets to these goals. However they are very challenged to make them tangible for their employees and translate them into day-to-day business actions.
This is where the “2030 SDGs Game” comes in. The 2030 SDGs Game is an interactive learning experience which makes sustainability a vivid topic by simulating dynamics in terms of sustainability actions, goal setting and business operations. Participants comprehend dynamics and can translate complex wording into real-life action.
Effects of the 2030 SDGs Game
This striving game, being developed in Japan, has been played in many countries worldwide and had a significant impact. Big corporates and international institutions such as the UN have adopted this game in their training activities as well as small and medium enterprises from many different sectors. The participants always report how much it has helped them to establish a deeper understanding of the dynamics of global, community, and individual goals in line with sustainable and balanced development.
The 2030 SDGs Game opens new spaces and fosters comprehension among participants. It can be used as a support tool for a sustainability implementation program as a parting point in combination with futures’ laboratories or value creation workshops (Note: we shall be glad to support you in these areas too if you are interested).
The Power of Immersive Experiences
Are you concerned about playing a “game” to foster this process? Consider that playing a game is an interactive and immersive experience that makes participants engage on a very deep level. It connects topics with human reality and turns abstract terms and concepts into vivid experiences. It is a very powerful way of knowledge acquisition. Literature refers to it as “game-based learning”. It effectively bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach not only enhances learners’ understanding and retention of complex concepts but also fosters a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. By transforming passive content consumption into active problem-solving and decision-making, game-based learning in corporate training encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability among participants. (Learn more in this article: “7 key benefits that game-based learning brings to corporate training).
Eager to Play Now?
Has this article sparked your interest? Whether you’re a business owner, a leader, a team manager, or an individual committed to making a difference, your participation in making your organization more sustainable is crucial. Start with booking a 2030 SDGs Game action and getting in touch will support you in your efforts to become and remain a winner in a more livable future in the long run.
Get in touch to receive a personalized offer or book a briefing session: lukas@promoting-equality.com.
1 Comment
Would like to play the sdg game