Yesterday, I was deeply moved by the film “Resistance“, which chronicles the life of Marcel Marceau, a French mime artist and member of the French Resistance during World War II. His transformation into a liaison officer for the British forces and his efforts to smuggle children away from Nazi persecution to the safety of Switzerland were both inspiring and harrowing. This film added another layer to the medley of thoughts that spurred me to pen this blog post.
I’m not keen on writing about the harrowing times of Nazi Germany, the conflicts in Israel/Gaza, the Ukraine, and the myriad atrocities unfolding around us. Mainly because I can’t really say that much about these topics (particularly the last ones) despite the fact that I do read about them and reflect on them. However, the irony in this context is that by expressing my reluctance, I am already indirectly confronting these very subjects. This thought simply seems to having occupied my mind these past weeks and thus has been the imperative to confront, not to avert our gaze.
This reflective journey actually began with a piece of news from a couple of months ago about a law passed by the European Parliament concerning supply chains — a piece of news that has tenaciously clung to my consciousness. In an unguarded moment with a close friend, absorbed in a discussion about modern society and particularly this legal topic, I found myself saying, “I believe our society often profits from turning a blind eye.”
Such a trite expression, and yet, I cringe at its simplicity. I’m not an advocate for relentless introspection or self-flagellation. But it’s a stark truth: our human instinct sometimes leads us to ignore what we cannot, or will not, face.
This law aims to hold corporations accountable for their environmental footprint and human rights practices throughout their entire product lifecycle. Despite its noble intent, it’s disheartening to think that in countries like Austria, it will take years for such policies to become enforceable law. At the same time I truly understand that some companies have a hard time when they now have to scrutinize their supply chain and make sure no a single one of their sub-suppliers does harm, takes advantage of child labor and signs responsible for environmental degradation.
Pause and consider the implications of such legislation. A great legal initiative, isn’t it?
Well, the law is indeed commendable, reflecting a noble ambition. Yet, it’s revealing how such legal measures are necessary to compel ethical corporate behavior. Shouldn’t we, especially in prosperous countries, already be completely committed to conscientious consumption? “Yes, but no,” seems to be the reluctant admission. Making sure that imported articles comply to our standards is not always easy. Something can be done however. On a personal note in this context, I need to confess, I seldom opt for CO2 offsets when booking flights. Although I’ve done it more often recently and I am still questioning the authenticity of this measure beyond marketing veneers.
In this discourse, my intent is to underscore the significance of acknowledging and addressing the myriad of critical issues that surround us. Recognition is the precursor to action. It begs the question, “What can I do, what can my organization do, to effect change?”
We have a collective responsibility to safeguard our environment, society, and economy. Reflecting on how we, as individuals and organizations, can contribute is not just beneficial—it’s imperative.
In this vein, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a robust blueprint for action and reflection. This has also lad me to desgning a workshop concept aimed at guiding organizations in developing sustainable action plans. This initiative is my step towards not just looking, but leaping into action. I would be delighted to start a conversation about it with you.
Sustainable Action Planning Workshop: Available for All Organizations
Whether online or in-person, the Sustainable Action Planning Workshop is designed for organizations committed to making a difference. Tailored to your unique needs, the offer is:
The SDG Game: Engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a dynamic and interactive way. Discover through play how individual actions and global objectives intertwine, shaping our planet’s future, society, and economy.
Sustainable Action World Café: Dive into the SDGs with an enlightening introduction followed by a guided discussion. We’ll explore practical sustainability actions that your organization can implement, leaving you with actionable insights and a clear path forward.
Interested in fostering a culture of sustainability within your organization? Reach out with your preferences (dates and format), and let’s craft a workshop that aligns with your vision for change.
Inquire now to shape a sustainable future together. lukas@promoting-equality.com
1 Comment
“I believe our society often profits from turning a blind eye.” – this is painfully accurate.