How We Live Sustainability at Benefactum Consulting
What does sustainability represent within Benefactum Consulting, as a commercial business with social purpose at its heart?
We are all about people, planet, and profit. Transforming global cultural norms and driving a better society where we are valued equally, free to enjoy our rights, and live with dignity. Our sustainability is based on the SDGs and the Principles of the UN Global Compact. Holding a nuanced view of intersectionality is critical to building a world in which all of us can thrive.
We believe that in paying particular attention to the ways that axes of identity and structural inequality converge through the lens of Gender and Racial Equity, allows us to operate at the intersection of good corporate citizenship, community cohesion and resilient societies. To drive the societal and corporate governance policies and activities going beyond a “do no harm” approach, often yielding unexpected results.
Having a sustainable approach thus means having policies in place that promote and effectively implement the principles of non-discrimination, accountability, participation, and broad respect for individuals and groups in societies, for their safety and livelihoods. All while promoting a more equitable future and greater environmental responsibility which in turn leads to economic success and longevity.
We have committed to raising awareness of the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By aligning to the UN SDGs we seek to demonstrate our work is highly relevant to the SDGs and that by adopting a ‘whole-of-organisation approach’ which takes into consideration mission, investment, strategies and programmes, communications and operations, there is scope to use the framework to enhance their role, credibility, and effectiveness as catalysts for change. This can attract partners and investment, motivate staff, board members, and volunteers. And consolidate the position of Benefactum Consulting in its locality.
What our sustainability arm does within Benefactum Consulting?
For us, sustainability is not only based on the SDGs and the Principles of the UN Compact. Building on 35 years of combined experience to advancing social norms and human rights agenda with its stakeholders, we are now strengthening our social issues approach to mainstream human rights across its partners and thematic activities.
We use a rights-based approach and intersectional lens analysis within our activities which is about creating real impact and tangibly improving the situation of individuals and corporate culture, and therefore allows us to have a nuanced discourse – and advocacy – on what is feasible and what should be done short- medium and long-term within the business community and financial services sector in which we work.
It also allows us to connect our activities to the enjoyment of other rights, such as education, work, decent standard of living, political and civil participation, and non-discrimination. We may focus on the importance of gender and racial equity, but with the goal and understanding that all rights and SDGs are interconnected.
