ESG Localized Solutions, Not Global: The Key to Universal Sustainability.

I've just returned from the WEF at Davos, and I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in sustainable perspectives I encountered. On one hand, there's the high-profile contingent of politicians and European royalty, their voices echoing through every headline. They firmly assert that the majority is on board with the idea of sacrificing some aspects of their standard of living – embracing a reduction in consumption, transitioning to plant-based diets, and bidding farewell to fossil fuels. To them, this isn't just a nice-to-have; it's an absolute imperative.

On the contrasting side, as I immersed myself in various sustainability forums, an entirely divergent narrative emerged. Whether it was the Africa Diaspora group, the South African delegation, or my panel at the World Economics Innovation Forum, none endorsed the idea of holding back. Instead, they resoundingly championed a vigorous and forward-moving approach. Their collective vision revolved around the foundational pillars of efficiency, wealth creation, and education as the bedrock for achieving sustainable progress. This glaring disparity in perspectives encapsulates the full spectrum of thoughts on this critical issue. It's worth noting that the Global South is exceptionally committed to maximizing positive impact and possesses a clear roadmap for advancing towards this goal.

Now, the Corporations.

When I closely examine the core tenets of the corporate approach to ESG issues, I can't help but draw parallels with the European royalty's perspective. The corporate world is genuinely dedicated to improving its practices, yet it also seems to be overlooking a critical aspect: our planet's population of 8 billion individuals, all of whom must be included in the solutions. Often, when they present their vision of a sustainable city, I envision sprawling metropolises constructed with opulent materials, boasting abundant water resources, meticulously groomed gardens, and an idealized blend of people from diverse backgrounds strolling joyfully through pristine parks. Opulence, not sustainability, takes precedence.

However, we must not forget that we are already treading perilously close to the nine planetary boundaries that delineate the limits within which humanity can continue to thrive for generations to come. It's a stark reminder that we've breached some of these boundaries, and the environment may no longer have the capacity to self-regulate. In this context, Singapore emerges as a beacon of what a sustainable city should aspire to be, as attested by sustainability experts. According to the Smithsonian, if the entire world were to emulate the lifestyle of a Singapore resident, we'd require all the natural resources equivalent to six planet Earths. This striking contrast underscores the urgency of re-evaluating our approach to sustainability and inclusivity on a global scale.

The crux of my argument lies in the practical and localized implementation of sustainability solutions. It's simply unfeasible to impose a one-size-fits-all approach, assuming that everyone's needs align. With 80% of the world's population surviving on less than 10 USD per day, it becomes evident that achieving sustainability, as exemplified by the Mexican Campesino in the image at the beginning of this chat, necessitates addressing poverty as the foremost priority. How do we begin this process? It commences with the facilitation of free trade, followed by an emphasis on education, and then adept resource management – all aimed at doing things more efficiently.

I can only hope ESG experts reevaluate their sustainability directives, mandates, and, at times, lofty objectives. It's crucial to recognize that the Global South holds the key to sustainability; it's not the problem but the solution. Sustainability isn't a fixed destination; instead, it's a continuous journey that commences every day when we wake up, rooted in our determination to make the day better – a reality for the majority of the world's population.

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