Sustainability and our commitment

We often hear about sustainability when it comes to environmental issues and affairs. In these time, thinking about this topic feels complex, but attending the Sustainability in Focus, headed by BDO, made us understand that we can all play our role and help even in little ways. 

The first talk is about “Getting to know the SDGs” (Sustainable Development Goals) by Ms. Elle David. She first discussed its 5 Pillars — People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnership. That sustainable development embodies these 5 pillars to work for the common goal. 

Strengthening the SDG Commitment

To further achieve these SGDs, we must also incorporate these 5 ways into the project:

• Exploring the problem
• Setting the goal
• Brainstorming for solutions
• Developing an action plan
• Evaluating the project

The United Nations set the 17 Global Goals for 2025, and I believe that we should do our little ways everyday like recycling, or making sure you are sound and healthy enough, so this generation, and our future, is very well protected.

BDO’s role in sustainability

The second part of the workshop is led by Ms. Marla Garin-Alvarez, FVP and Head of BDO’s Sustainability Office, and focused on BDO’s Sustainability Framework. During her talk, we learned how BDO creates products and services based on strategic resilience, backed with sustainability efforts, to focus in aligning with the global standards. 

They have programs based on Green Financing (Renewable Energy, Water and Resource Efficiency), Blue Financing (Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management, Offshore renewable energy), Social Financing (Employment Generation, Food Security), Orange / Gender Financing (Gender responsive products or services, financing women owned or women led enterprises)

They make their programs based on studies that could benefit a community and conserving our natural resources and ensures to bring effective results — driving a business strategy for long term use.

Lastly, Ms. Malou Talosig-Bartolome talked about Communicating Sustainability Effectively on Social Media. It was a refreshing topic because it helps being responsible for content, and how to effectively spread awareness to your audience. In this age, it is really important that you verify the facts, and promote authenticity to give value to your viewers.

In a gist, we all have a role in living sustainably. By making the right decisions and finding meaningful ways like BDO, we can contribute a better future for generations to come.