Over the past two decades, our global understanding of development has evolved, fostering a more collaborative approach to addressing social challenges and achieving collective objectives.
Initially, when the Smile Foundation began, it integrated a high-impact development model with corporate giving—a concept that was not yet mainstream. What started as an experimental approach quickly became a strategic necessity, adapting to the market faster than anticipated.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set ambitious international development targets for 2015, embraced by all 191 UN member states and numerous international organisations. The MDGs catalysed new partnerships and energised public discourse, emphasising the importance of ambitious, globally-focused development objectives. They aimed to reshape decision-making processes, prioritising the immediate and essential needs of populations.
The impact of the MDGs was profound; they are credited with lifting over a billion people out of extreme poverty and significantly improving access to education for girls. However, challenges persisted, such as enduring inequalities and uneven progress, with persistent disparities in rural versus urban conditions and ongoing struggles in maternal health.
India, in particular, saw notable advances under the MDGs, approaching targets in areas such as under-five mortality and maternal mortality rates, and making strides in providing safe drinking water and improving sanitation in rural areas.
In 2015, the focus shifted from the MDGs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which introduced a broader and more ambitious set of targets to be achieved by 2030. Unlike their predecessors, the SDGs apply universally, encompassing all countries, and involve 17 goals monitored by over 230 unique indicators. The SDGs highlight the importance of inclusive partnerships across governments, civil society, and the private sector to address a wide range of global challenges.
Furthermore, the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing continues to influence CSR evolution, aligning ethical and profitable practices within corporate strategies.
The Future of CSR
Looking ahead, CSR is poised to play an increasingly crucial role in shaping business practices, community engagement, and overall societal development. The dialogue around CSR has expanded from being a niche business topic to a broad societal concern integral to discussions on sustainability.
This evolution reflects a growing expectation among communities, customers, and employees for businesses to not only minimise harm but also drive positive change, contributing to global efforts like climate change mitigation and resource preservation. The advent of advanced technology and heightened civil awareness will likely expand corporate roles in education, healthcare, and skills development, emphasising the creation of value that benefits society at large. We look forward to continuing our commitment to these evolving paradigms, striving to make a significant and sustainable impact on both local and global scales.
