【Prelude】Not Only a Prophesy
With direction defined, you should explore available paths, look for role models and try to turn yourself into such a role model
Mankind is reaching a fantastic consensus on the eve of global upheaval.
"If the financial crisis didn't happen, 'green' would remain a luxury concept. But it became an imperative topic under the background of economic crisis." The audience was impressed by the above opening remarks of Mr.Liu Donghua, Executive President of China Entrepreneur Club (CEC) at the opening ceremony of the Second Annual Summit of China Green Companies. Over the two-day meeting, "green" was discussed in-depth, not as a conceit of corporate social responsibility but as the fundamental nature of companies: How does one translate "green" into the most effective corporate management? How does one do the right thing to create desperately needed things in this world and ever-lasting corporate values?
Liu Chuanzhi, President of Legend Holdings Co., Ltd is a representative figure. He once treated green as a long-term and lofty cause, saying, "Mind your backyard and build your foundation before contributing to society." However, he has changed his mind. "The greatest lesson we can learn from this financial crisis is that any company, any industry or any country as a whole can hardly grow in isolation. You have to do it for the long-term survival of your company. Otherwise, even if your company prospers today, it will be suffocated to death in future generations."
As Mr. Wu Jianmin, Honorary President of International Exhibition Bureau, put it, "green" does not represent the commanding height of morality and justice, it does not lie in the rights and interests of any single company nor that of any country, but that of mankind…Under these ethics, everyone, regardless of ethnic group, religion, ideology, wealth, age, location - whether the CBD of L.A. or a slum in Mumbai - desires green from the bottom of their hearts.
Because green is the universal value, green is the ultimate need.
Under the framework of green consensus, China and the U.S., two leaders in the world, expect to really unite to tackle climate change. Professor Kenneth Lieberthal from the University of Michigan suggests that China and U.S. should establish a strategic framework for climate change and clean energy for large-scale and far-reaching cooperation.
Under the framework of green consensus, governments, businesses, academia and NGOs have their destinies intertwined. Mr. Jonathan Lash, President of World Resources Institute(WRI) observed: "Businesses were our opponents over the past 30 years. They were always accusing environmental protection measures as detrimental to businesses, but they have reversed their attitude in a U-turn and become our allies."
Under the framework of green consensus, it is certain that the green industry in a broad sense will become the next engine of the world economy. "Green companies" are the companies that achieve sustainable competitiveness through structuring socially and environmentally friendly networks, i.e. achieving sustainability for the company and further supporting the sustainability of society and mankind. Green companies have become a common aspiration of the people.
Under the framework of green consensus, idealists stand side by side with realists. "Ideals are always most important," said Mr. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun High Technology Group Co., Ltd. "Under the rational and constructive guidance, our ideals will certainty gradually become reality."
We have to identify the root cause of the world's problems, keep away from short-sighted actions, and examine today's difficulties from tomorrow's perspective. Only in this way can we become masters of reality and figure out long-term solutions and embrace challenges.
It is empowering that companies with insight are transforming themselves from "leaders" to "green giants" by devising green strategies.
It is empowering that increasing numbers of "green financiers" are understanding the world's trends and starting to push for green transformation from the sources of the companies.
It is empowering that people are beginning to realize that the starting point of a new business civilization is serving others and taking care of all stakeholders.
It is empowering that investing in and looking after Mother Nature enables us to find sources from which we can elevate human well being from the cherished ecosystem.
"Green Transformation : Forecasting a New Business Culture." In fact, it is more than just prophesy. As Mr. Liu Donghua said, with direction defined, you should explore available paths, look for role models and try to turn yourself into such a role model. He borrowed the remarks of Mr. Wang Shi at Green Companies Annual Summit last year: "It is certainly difficult to be a 'green company' or 'green hero' of mankind, but not as difficult as you would imagine."
