Corporate citizenship: How corporates fuel the sustainability agenda

By embracing corporate citizenship, we, the corporate world, can actively partake in the journey towards positive global change

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the influence of multinational corporations (MNCs) reverberates far beyond the boardrooms and balance sheets. In this era of heightened Corporate Social Investments (CSI) and a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach, businesses are not just economic entities but engines for positive change.

MNCs have always been significant players in shaping the global business landscape; from a local perspective, they are vital contributors to the economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel economic growth. Today, however, their contribution transcends profit margins. As responsible companies they bear the onus of supporting the nation in its sustainability journey. This commitment extends beyond the pursuit of financial success.

Embracing the principles of ESG has become a fundamental component of every corporate strategy and business decision. It is within this framework that value is created. For MNCs, ESG is not an ancillary function but a central and integral part of their operations. Recognising their actions have far-reaching consequences, they actively strive to minimise adverse impacts and maximise positive societal contributions. The ethical, social, and environmental facets of ESG aren’t mere corporate jargon; they are the moral compass guiding us towards a more sustainable future.

While the commitment to sustainability begins within the corporate realm, it resonates far beyond company borders. Only when we collectively acknowledge our impact can we truly enhance the sustainability journey. This awareness extends to MNCs; they are not isolated entities operating on their own but integral components of the global community, each with a distinct and far-reaching role to play. 

Supporting governments in pursuing sustainability agendas and aligning initiatives to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential to corporate citizenship. By doing so, MNCs can address intricate challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic resilience. Collectively, they can contribute to the overall betterment of society.

An MNC’s journey in corporate sustainability should go beyond mere statistics and certifications. It’s about making ESG a fundamental part of its decision-making processes. Sustainability and ESG need to be woven into our core principles. 

For example, my organisation’s journey towards corporate citizenship and sustainability has been transformative. For us, sustainability isn’t an optional add-on; it’s integrated into our organisational DNA, it is in the front and centre of all that we do. I believe genuine value is generated when people embrace ESG as a cornerstone of their everyday strategies and decisions.

Sustainability is not just a business buzzword—it’s a global call to action that transcends borders, industries, and ideologies. It’s a commitment that promises us all a brighter and more sustainable future. By embracing corporate citizenship, we, the corporate world, can actively partake in the journey towards positive global change. It’s a responsibility that binds us all, and together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.

(The writer is the Legal and External Affairs Director at Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC.)