April 13, 2020
Following up our recent Blog of 3 April that included the message of UN Secretary General António Guterres, where he also responded to the Corona crisis as follows:
“At this unusual moment, we cannot resort to the usual tools. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures. We face a colossal test which demands decisive, coordinated and innovative action from all, for all”.
How will Governments, Industries and Consumers respond to the impacts of the crisis? Which extraordinary measures and innovations do we need? It is almost certain that consumers will have less income to buy new products. Will local sharing economies grow rapidly to share products and avoid buying? Will more people share their expertise and services in exchange to each other? Getting things done without paying? Creating new economics systems that will become less independent of money?
Despite the current ‘social distancing’ civilians are taking more care of the vulnerable people in societies. Health and welfare of societies are now becoming a top priority. And isn’t that exactly what the world agreed upon during the development of the ‘ISO 26000 Guidance on social responsibility’ standard?
During a unique global multi-stakeholder process of six years we all agreed in 2010 upon what ‘Social Responsibility’ means, starting with:
‘Responsibility of organizations (Public and Private sector) for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment, through transparent and ethical behaviour that:
Did all the ISO 26000 experts involved in this process, expected a crisis like now? Of course not, but we all shared the believe that an inclusive society should be on top of mind. Leaving no one behind. Let’s put our shoulders together to realize this society.