In today’s interconnected world, the call for sustainable leadership has never been louder.
As businesses navigate complex economic, social, and environmental challenges, leaders in multinational organisations are at the forefront of driving change.
Their role extends beyond business strategy — it is a moral obligation towards people and the planet.
Why should leaders prioritise sustainability? Research shows that focusing on sustainable practices can enhance a company’s reputation, strengthen customer loyalty, and improve the bottom line.
According to a 2020 McKinsey report, 70% of executives believe sustainability is fundamental to their organisations’ competitiveness.
Moreover, companies with strong ESG (environmental, social, and governance) scores consistently outperform their peers financially.
Leaders who meet today’s high standards see sustainability as a framework for long-term growth.
They adopt practices that minimise environmental impact while ensuring viability for the future.
Integrating sustainability into business strategy means assessing risks and opportunities through a sustainability lens.
Take Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan: it demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental footprint while enhancing livelihoods.
This forward-thinking approach benefits not only the company but also society at large.
In multinational organisations, the importance of sustainable leadership is amplified.
Leaders must navigate diverse cultures and regulations while maintaining a unified global mission.
By fostering a culture of sustainability, they can align diverse teams toward common goals.
Consider Siemens, the global technology giant, which aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The company is not only reducing its own emissions but also helping customers and supply chains do the same.
This ripple effect illustrates a key principle: sustainable leadership inspires change not only within organisations but across entire industries.
In the ASEAN region, sustainable leadership is particularly relevant given rapid urbanisation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities.
Leaders must respond pragmatically and inclusively. The ASEAN Economic Community, for example, promotes a single market and production base while encouraging sustainable development among its member states.
Businesses in ASEAN cannot ignore their ecological and social responsibilities. A PwC survey found that 78% of ASEAN companies recognise sustainability as critical to long-term strategy.
This presents an opportunity to implement best practices that resonate with Southeast Asian cultural values and community expectations.
In Indonesia and Vietnam, for instance, leaders are adopting sustainable agricultural practices to combat deforestation and ensure food security.
Agroforestry techniques, which combine farming with tree planting, improve yields while enhancing biodiversity.
Here, sustainability is not merely about profits; it is about balancing ecological health and community welfare.
The ASEAN Framework for Action on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication underscores this imperative.
As the Brundtland Report famously states, “Sustainable development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainable leadership, therefore, is about balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
Globally, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforce the urgency for responsible leadership.
With 17 interconnected goals—from ending poverty and ensuring clean water to promoting sustainable cities and combating climate change — the SDGs provide a comprehensive roadmap for building a sustainable future.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does,” wrote William James. In sustainable leadership, every decision carries weight.
Companies that invest in renewable energy, for example, reduce their carbon footprint and set industry benchmarks that others follow.
Global leaders like Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, advocate for a long-term view of corporate responsibility.
“We cannot close our eyes to the world we operate in,” he said.
Such leadership calls for active engagement with communities and a commitment to global citizenship.
At its core, sustainable leadership is about people. Ethical responsibility to stakeholders requires cultivating environments of inclusivity, compassion, and empowerment.
Diverse voices in decision-making generate innovative solutions and better social outcomes.
Patagonia, for example, engages employees and customers in sustainability initiatives such as their “1% for the Planet” campaign, pledging a share of sales to environmental causes. This approach fosters belonging and collective responsibility.
The necessity for sustainable leadership in multinational organisations cannot be overstated.
Climate change, inequality, and resource depletion demand a rethink of operational strategies in line with sustainability principles. Leaders who act responsibly enhance their companies’ reputations and contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Ultimately, sustainability is about progress that respects both people and planet.
As the late environmentalist Wangari Maathai said, “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”
Today’s leaders, by planting the seeds of sustainability, can ensure a thriving planet for generations to come.
The views expressed here are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writers can be reached at argenisangulo@gmail.com and lawleepoh@gmail.com.
