As the plane’s tyres left the tarmac at Tullamarine airport I was filled with anticipation and anxiety in equal measure. A few months earlier I had established The Good Business Foundation (GBF) and I was now heading to America and to Europe to test out our hypotheses. In a time of governments’ inaction on important social and environmental issues and ensuing community despair, are we as a global business community willing and ready to step up and take the lead in tackling some of the greatest social and environmental challenges of our time?
We know why business should be involved in social and environmental concerns. The data is compelling. Shareholders, consumers and employees are demanding greater social and environmental action. For business to flourish a functioning biosphere is essential. The argument here with most forward thinking business people is already won. But the question remains, are we in business willing to be a leader?
This is not a normal position for business to take. Traditionally, business will partner or participate if it clearly adds value to our brand or bottom line. We may even agree to certain environmental or social requirements if the regulatory environment so demands. But we are now in different times, needing different types of leadership. And as much as we would like it, we cannot wait for governments. We cannot rely on the leaders of the past to come up with the solutions to move us forward. We must look to new leadership, connected to community and the values we all share.
Top Image: Stuart Thomson, Gillian Tiggs & Peter McMullin in Geneva
Peter McMullin at the ICC Offices in New York
Peter McMullin & Mr Volker Turk
During the trip I was looking for a sign that we were on the right path. Did global business truly want to prepare itself for the ‘next economy’, not only making financial returns but doing it in such a way that benefits people and the planet? Are we really serious about innovation and in doing so bringing new and diverse voices to the table? Are we as business leaders unafraid to speak out on issues such as climate change? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, are we just interested in solving the issues in our own backyards, or are we serious about poverty alleviation and a truly fairer and more equal world?
The answers I uncovered did not disappoint. I was encouraged after meetings with senior United Nations officials Mr Volker Turk, Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Coordination and Dr Gillian Triggs, Assistant Secretary-General, serving as the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. We met with organisations such as Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) who match skilled stateless people and refugees into corporate positions. This work is not only pulling individuals, families and communities out of terrible situations, but perhaps more importantly is breaking down entrenched stereotypes of what stateless people and refugees have to offer. We met with FSG who are leading the way in showing businesses how to create real and meaningful social and environmental impact. We met with senior officials from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) who’s Secretary General (and fellow Australian) John Denton has been vocal on key issues such as climate change and human rights. It is comforting to know that all of these initiatives are led by business people just like me wanting to make a real difference in the world.
Now having returned to Australia that anxiety and anticipation has turned into the excitement of what lies ahead. A future where as Australians we can live the values we all hold deeply, the values of a fair go, and where community and family lie at the centre of all our decisions; personal, professional or otherwise. It has indeed been a big year, one worth reflecting on as we move into a time of rest, renewal and celebration with family and friends. One where I personally can’t wait for a new year to start afresh to continue the good work of doing good business.
Peter McMullin is a businessman, lawyer and philanthropist based in Melbourne, Australia. He established the first ever global academic centre on Statelessness at Melbourne University (The Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness), and in 2019 he and his wife Ruth committed AUD$4 million in establishing The Science Gallery Melbourne. In July 2019 he established The Good Business Foundation (GBF), a for purpose organisation leveraging expertise, relationships and resources for social good.
