For people, progress and planet
Today’s global challenges call for meaningful actions by global citizens – individuals whose sense of social responsibility extends beyond their immediate communities and societies. They act as catalysts for positive change that is fundamentally rooted in the pursuit of global sustainable development. Empowered global citizens can influence dialogues for the greater good and drive impactful decisions across environmental, social and governance (ESG) domains. But what does it take to empower people, creating responsible and committed global citizens?
Organisations hold the promise to cultivate global citizens – dedicated to equity, inclusivity, ethical practices and a sustainable world. With the foundation of technology and innovative solutions, they can actively promote global citizenship and accelerate collective progress.
Catalysing social impact: When guided effectively, individuals can become leaders of positive social impact. To achieve this, organisations must first embrace social responsibility in the interest of all societies, bringing the concept of global citizens to life. This approach lays the foundation for fostering a global citizenship mindset, which should extend to the individuals in these organisations.
Secondly, organisations must equip people with relevant and future-ready skills. Such skills empower individuals and uplift entire communities. Skilled individuals often become role models, inspiring others in their communities to pursue opportunities for growth and skill development. By ensuring gainful employment through knowledge and skills, organisations nurture people with the confidence to strengthen communities, support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Thirdly, digital inclusion plays a crucial role in building global citizens. When individuals are digitally included and educated, they are more informed and engaged and act as responsible global citizens. Given the criticality of digital inclusion, global agencies have created educative programmes for digital citizenship. UNESCO’s digital citizenship education, a central element of global citizenship education, emphasises the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to responsibly navigate the digital sphere.
Befriending environment: Environmental challenges know no borders, demanding collaborative action on a global scale. While organisations cannot solve climate change alone, they can inculcate the values of environmental stewardship. With the right guidance, global citizens can raise awareness, advocate for sustainable policies and implement green transformation initiatives. Green skills, which cover areas such as renewable energy technologies, sustainable agriculture, and green construction, must be prioritised to achieve net-zero goals and transition to a sustainable world.
The World Bank has highlighted an interesting and, often overlooked, aspect of involving ‘youth on the move’. Young people who move out of their homes are left out of policies, programmes and opportunities enabling environmental sustainability. They need a wide range of skills to thrive in their new communities and promote environmental sustainability in their work and lives.
Actioning governance, growth: Artificial intelligence (AI) is omni-present, transforming individuals, industries and societies alike. Its advancements significantly contribute to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), spanning climate action, poverty alleviation, clean water and sanitation, healthcare, education reform and more. The advent of generative AI (Gen AI) has further unlocked new opportunities, driving systemic change. The technology’s ability to augment human capacity and accelerate problem-solving at scale with data and insights can empower global citizens to innovate boldly and collaborate globally. Gen AI will also democratise access to tools and resources, encouraging participation by all.
Global citizens require the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and act on pressing, complex challenges. This is where organisations can leverage AI to power education, break barriers to information access and enhance learning processes. By doing so, they can help individuals amplify their contributions and ensure their voices are heard, creating a level-playing field for participation. However, as organisations deploy AI to shape global citizens, it is imperative to uphold the highest ethical standards in physical and digital spaces. This commitment will foster trust, promote equity, and empower individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable future.
Today, organisations serve as the bridge connecting individuals – aspiring global citizens – to a world striving for sustainable development. They are drivers of building global citizen capacities by practising inclusion, offering global exposure, promoting skill development and awareness and cultivating leaders of the future – all for the common goals of positive social impact, resilient societies and sustainable economic growth.
The author is group chief corporate responsibility officer & member, group executive committee, Capgemini