In an election year, reflection is needed on the issues that most need to be addressed in the country. Topics such as tax reform, improvements to the education system, infrastructure investments, and waste reduction, among others, are considered. Not everything can be accomplished in four years, of course, and therefore, it's important to identify the main points to be addressed, serving as a basis both for outlining an action plan to be implemented during the government's term and for establishing measures that will allow the continuity of the actions currently implemented.
But is it solely the government's responsibility to do something? How can companies contribute? In 2014, the time has come to realize that we need to act together: government, civil society, and companies. This is what Action 2020 is all about. Within this framework, everyone is called to contribute and act together toward a single goal, one that benefits all of society.
Based on the identification of priority areas to be addressed[1] society's objectives will be discussed and developed, which must be measurable and science-based, serving as a basis for business actions. These, in turn, must be impactful, scalable, and go beyond the business as usual, contributing to the achievement of the objectives listed for each priority area. Existing barriers and leverage factors for the implementation of such actions, such as technologies to be imported or developed, necessary training, access to financing, establishment of appropriate regulations and enabling public policies will also be part of this framework and will be investigated.
The backdrop is the scenarios presented in Vision 2050, which sought to chart a path of transformation for society. The document is still valid, but it made it clear that something more was needed to make this vision shared among companies a reality. This long-term, qualitative vision, which outlines structural changes for society, required an action plan, based on a short- to medium-term timeframe that would speak more easily to companies, enabling the implementation of inspiring actions. Action 2020, therefore, fulfills the role of a business plan, to be executed over six years, but whose ultimate goal is to put us on the path mapped out for 2050, in which 226 million people will coexist well, respecting the planet's natural limits, through cooperation between public authorities, society and companies[2].
The first step was to listen to science. The second, to work with companies. And, finally, to engage in dialogue with the government. Everyone contributes; each with their own role. Thus, Ação 2020 emerged with a long-term objective, enabling dialogue between the various stakeholders and serving as a platform for companies to share experiences. Ação 2020 is the answer we sought for the involvement of everyone: governments, civil society, and companies, united by common goals, toward a transformation for society, with sustainability as a key element.
