| By Marcos Bicudo and Marina Grossi*The essence of the word leader remains the same as it was centuries ago. As in the past, today's leader must combine knowledge and the ability to influence social groups to indicate the best path to follow. However, whether at the local, national or global level, the responsibilities of the 21st century leader are much more complex due to the volume of demands and variables. To overcome the economic, social and environmental obstacles in the next 40 years – and achieve a satisfactory level of sustainability by the middle of this century – we need to train leaders. Their mission will be to act with transformative capacity in key sectors of society – governments, companies and social and academic organizations. In addition to motivating their group to accept changes, sustainability leaders also need to develop the expertise to create an environment of understanding between the different sectors of society. Companies have a major responsibility in this process, that is, to lead the world towards a development model capable of boosting economic activity, providing opportunities for all, and restoring and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Today, the economic growth agenda continues to prevail over that of sustainable development, such as consumption and the exponential depletion of natural resources. In the private sector, the short-term vision remains strong, despite the clear perception of its unfeasibility and the decline in rates of return. Indian economist Pavan Sukhdev recently said that “the path to a green economy lies with corporations, with a change in the business model of large industries, such as those that dominate the energy and petrochemical sectors.” A survey carried out in 24 countries by Ipso confirms Pavan's thesis. More than half of the respondents – 63% – believe that companies can drive change in the world, while the remaining 37% place their hopes in politicians. In Brazil, 61% trust in the role of corporations to implement change. The document Visão Brasil 2050 – developed with the participation of more than 400 experts and 70 companies and launched by CEBDS at Rio+20 – is the basis for strategic planning for large corporations operating in the country and serves as a basis for decision-making by business leaders and for dialogue with governments and society. In this context, leadership plays an essential role. In this context, leadership plays an essential role, acting as a guiding force in this process of change towards a more sustainable development model. In developing countries or countries that are not yet mature, the importance of these leaders becomes even greater, mainly due to their growth potential and the creativity of the solutions that characterize the leaders formed here. The University of Cambridge has recognized this demand and, in partnership with CEBDS, is bringing to Brazil its flagship program for leadership development, the Business and Sustainability Program, which will be held from September 25 to 28 in São Paulo. The program has trained business leaders in Europe and the United States and is coming to Latin America for the first time. Despite our serious environmental and, above all, social liabilities, there is great expectation that we will be able to become significant players in the green economy. |
*Chairman of CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development) and President of CEBDS
Source: Brasil Economico – 18/09/2013
