Since 2015, when the United Nations established the\nsustainable development goals, the development community has been excited and\nenergized but also a little bit weary. While the ambition contained within the\nsustainable development goals are high, the challenges are vast. For example,\nindustrial revolution driven by rapid technological advances has the potential\nto change everything. While there would be undoubtedly new growth, benefits,\nand opportunities, the impact on the world’s ecosystem could be disastrous. To\ncurb these challenges, one thing is for sure- all sectors, government,\nbusiness, civil society or academia; must work together. Businesses, with their\ncapacity to increase accountability, can play a critical partnership role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies are increasingly expected to partner with other\norganizations to address social and environmental problems while at the same\ntime be profitable. Collaborations and strategic partnerships are fundamental\nto improving business outcomes. For instance, SEED<\/a> South Africa and the Independent\nDevelopment Trust (IDT) have partnered to work towards promoting green\nentrepreneurs and building a closer relationship between government and\npolicymakers. This ensures businesses make profits while at the same time put\nsustainability at the forefront of company decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Strategic partnerships benefit everyone: businesses,\nemployees and customers. Businesses can broaden their relevance and increase\ntheir addressable market; customers benefit from the strengths and offerings <\/strong>each organization brings to\nthe table; employees can expand their development opportunities by being\nexposed to new perspectives and expertise. This will deepen ties between\nbusinesses hence ensuring longevity and allows companies to offer services and\nsolutions that help customers and other businesses become more successful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n