November is seen as a month to show gratitude to those around us. In a world that grows increasingly interconnected, global organizations have a unique opportunity to extend their reach beyond business interests and make a positive impact on surrounding communities. It’s not simply a business obligation; it’s a way for businesses – and employees from the top-down – to embrace their role as responsible global citizens.
At EFL Global, we’ve channeled this mission through our Global Goodness program.
What is EFL’s Global Goodness Program?
Launched in 2019, EFL’s ‘Global Goodness’ program strives to mobilize our ‘ESB’ framework (Environmental, Social, and Business Sustainability) through projects and initiatives that make a positive change. The program was founded by the late Sabrina Yusoof, who worked to transform the world into a better place by carrying out projects under the Global Goodness initiative, including our flagship projects and EFL ‘Next Gen,’ an opportunity to enlighten future generations on sustainable development.
“Global Goodness was created with the intention of inspiring our own employees to engage in good deeds and be conscious about their impact on people and the planet,” says Sanjana Ravi, Global Lead – Sustainability, EFL Global. “It consists of three elements: people, community, and the environment, offering a holistic approach of giving, caring, and consciousness.”
EFL Global and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Our Global Goodness projects are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These goals are an urgent call to action by all countries to follow the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. Of the 17 goals shared through the UN SDGs, EFL Global has prioritized six that align with our core business values. They include:
• Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13 – Climate Action
• Goal 14 – Life Below Water
• Goal 15 – Life on Land
The projects launched under the Global Goodness brand are long-term, aligned with the UN SDGs we have prioritized, and should have the potential to be transformed into holistic projects.
How Do Employees and Stakeholders Get Involved?
These projects create a significant positive impact on the environment and community ecosystems across our global operations. EFL Global encourages employee participation in each project, as many of the initiatives are hosted in cities and countries where we have an office or facility. These projects include environmental restoration, disaster relief, sanitation efforts, educational opportunities, and more. We regularly encourage our employees to not only participate in these projects, but to come up with their own ideas of how to better serve their communities as responsible global citizens.
“Through Global Goodness, EFL Global carries out initiatives through employee engagement that creates a long-term impact by creating sustainable change in people’s lives and the environment around us,” says Ravi. “So far, we’ve been able to make such an impact in South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines.”
This also includes industry stakeholders, such as other organizations in the logistics and supply chain industry as well as government organizations and sustainable groups who focus on similar initiatives. By partnering with these businesses, EFL Global can extend its efforts with additional resources.
Giving Back to Our Communities
In an age when businesses wield significant influence and resources, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to contribute positively to the well-being of the communities that support us. This includes the logistics and supply chain industry, who have been known to have a heavier carbon footprint than most.
This commitment goes beyond corporate social responsibility; businesses who actively participate in community development strengthen their ability to operate, foster goodwill and trust, and contribute to the economic and social vitality of the regions in which they operate. These actions make a lasting impact on people's lives, including the employees who serve them.
EFL Global Goodness in 2024 and Beyond
The leaders of EFL Global and its sustainable initiatives are working to expand the Global Goodness programs into additional communities and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many.
“Global Goodness will continue to expand by focusing on ecosystem conservation and community engagement in more countries that EFL Global operates in,” says Ravi. “Our goal is to inspire individuals and other businesses to spread goodness by empowering people and protecting our planet.”
There are various ways in which organizations can demonstrate their appreciation and support for communities around the world, both for the communities themselves and for the organizations involved. From philanthropic endeavors to sustainable business practices, the means to show thanks to global communities are as diverse as they are impactful. In November and beyond, we hope to inspire other industry leaders to join the fight to make the world a better place.
