From the very beginning, we realized that Team Building Natura® was closely connected to the principle of “sustainable development,” but we never felt the need to analyze the matter in depth.
We were satisfied with knowing—instinctively—that our proposal was fully aligned with the concept of sustainability, confident in the fact that, for us, the human being, their well-being, and their personal and professional growth are at the center of everything.
Quality Made
This remained the case until we began the audit process to join the Quality Made business cluster, a high-quality Cultural Identity label that certifies companies whose activities are based on principles of cultural, environmental, and social sustainability (Interreg Maritime EU Project).
Suddenly, we found ourselves needing to give structure to that inner conviction, in order to explain to the auditors how and why we believed we met the criteria of cultural, social, and environmental sustainability that define the brand.
The Theme of Sustainability
At the same time, sustainability began to emerge more frequently during meetings with companies, especially when our counterparts expressed the need to include our corporate team building programs within broader projects centered on sustainable development.
This combination of factors prompted us to take time to reorganize our thoughts and clearly define the connection between Team Building Natura® and sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda
We chose to do so by referring to a document we all now know well: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which outlines the “action plan for people, the planet and prosperity signed in September 2015 by the governments of the 193 UN member states.”
A resolution that includes 17 goals and 169 global targets that United Nations member states committed to achieving by 2030.
An agenda that includes programs to fight poverty, hunger, inequality, and climate change. It promotes actions to ensure health and well-being, quality education, decent work for all, and gender equality. It provides guidelines for clean and affordable energy production, sustainable cities and communities, protection of life below water and on land, the promotion of peaceful and sustainable societies—and much more.
In short, something truly ambitious and revolutionary.
The Full Declaration
Yet what we find even more compelling than the individual goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda is the broader context in which it is framed—the foundational principles upon which this resolution was written and signed by 193 UN member states, clearly expressed in the full document.
For this reason, we focused our attention on the preamble and the core principles of the declaration to explain how Team Building Natura® fully aligns with the sustainable development program.
In this article, we examine the passages that struck us most—those directly or indirectly connected to our proposal.
Developing Human Potential
From the very first lines of the declaration, the centrality of people within the 2030 Agenda is clear, with particular emphasis on the development of human potential and individual evolution as essential steps in the long journey toward creating a better world.
Every human being—children, youth, men, and women—is considered a true agent of change in this evolutionary process, which aims to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—in a balanced and interconnected way.
All of this while promoting and preserving physical, mental, and social well-being.
An Action Plan for People
“This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. […] The Goals and targets will stimulate action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. […] People. […] to ensure that all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality in a healthy environment.”
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Preamble
People-Centered Goals and Targets
2. In the interest of the peoples we serve, we have adopted a historic decision on a comprehensive and far-reaching set of universal, transformative, and people-centered Goals and targets. […] We are committed to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—in a balanced and integrated manner. […]
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Introduction
Physical, Mental, and Social Well-Being
7. In these Goals and targets, we are setting out a supremely ambitious and transformative vision. We envision a world free from poverty, hunger, disease, and want, where all life can thrive. […] A world with equitable and universal access to quality education at all levels, to healthcare and social protection, where physical, mental, and social well-being are ensured. […]
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Our Vision
People-Centered Economies
27. […] We will work to build dynamic, sustainable, innovative and people-centered economies. […]
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Our Vision
Achieving Full Human Potential
50. Today, we are also taking a decision of great historic significance. We resolve to build a better future for all people, including the millions who have been denied the chance to lead decent, dignified, and fulfilling lives and to achieve their full human potential. […]
51. What we are announcing today—an Agenda for global action over the next 15 years—is a charter for people and the planet in the twenty-first century. Children and young women and men are critical agents of change and will find in the new goals a platform to channel their infinite potential for activism into the creation of a better world.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A call to action to change our world
These passages reveal a profound alignment with the principles that inspire Team Building Natura®, whose purpose is to generate well-being and support the growth of individuals and organizations, contributing to the full development of human potential.
Other Fundamental Themes
The shared vision of the UN member states also highlights dignity, equality, non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and inclusiveness as tools for the full realization of human capacities and shared prosperity.
Universal Respect for Human Rights
8. The world we envision is one in which there is universal respect for human rights and human dignity, for the rule of law, justice, equality, and non-discrimination; a world where race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity are respected, and where equal opportunities exist for the full realization of human potential and shared prosperity. A world that invests in future generations, where every child can grow up free from violence and exploitation. […] A just, equitable, tolerant, open, and socially inclusive world that also meets the needs of the most vulnerable.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Our Vision(UN General Assembly Resolution 70/1, Our Vision)
Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth
9. […] A world where democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, as well as an enabling environment at both international and national levels, are essential for sustainable development: for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, social development, environmental protection, and the eradication of hunger and poverty.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Our Vision
Investing in Our Humanity
What better strategy to achieve such goals than going beyond the professional dimension and investing in the development of inherently human abilities—such as listening, emotional intelligence, and empathy—through which it becomes truly possible to build an environment of trust and psychological safety?
An environment where every individual feels free to express themselves and give space to their feelings and creativity—becoming a valuable source of enrichment for themselves, the team, the organization, and society as a whole.
This is where the 5 core principles of Team Building Natura® come clearly into play.
Mother Earth
The declaration also speaks of living in harmony with Nature, reminding us that the expression “Mother Earth” is common in many countries and regions.
To enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives
Prosperity. “We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.”
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Preamble
Living in Harmony with Nature
9. […] A world in which humanity lives in harmony with nature and in which wildlife and other living species are protected.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Our Vision
Planet Earth Is Our Home
59. We recognize that there are different approaches, visions, models, and tools available to each country, in accordance with national circumstances and priorities, to achieve sustainable development; we reaffirm that Planet Earth and its ecosystems are our home and that the expression “Mother Earth” is common in many countries and regions.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goals and Targets
Nature as a Source of Inspiration
At the risk of stating the obvious, we believe it is important to emphasize how Nature plays a decisive role in our team building programs.
For us, it is not merely a setting that hosts us, but a powerful and profound source of inspiration. It is a co-protagonist in the individual and group growth processes that form the foundation of our work. When we are fully immersed in Nature, in a state of presence and deep listening, it becomes easier for our “most human side” to feel free to emerge and experiment—an aspect we know well and have always leveraged in our team building experiences and experiential workshops.
Not to mention that woods and forests are ideal environments for facilitation sessions, coaching, and brainstorming, as well as for open dialogue in search of new solutions and opportunities.
All of this is further supported by the action of phytoncides, negative ions, and Mycobacterium vaccae, as well as by the effect that the sounds, scents, and colors typical of natural landscapes have on our bodies and mental faculties.
The Role of Companies
The United Nations 2030 Agenda also recognizes the role of private companies within this ambitious global program, whether they are micro-enterprises, cooperatives, or large multinational corporations.
The declaration speaks of investment, creativity, and innovation in seeking solutions and adopting policies aligned with the Agenda’s objectives. It speaks of dynamism and—if we may add—the courage to become aware of one’s role in this epochal transformation, considering the direct economic, social, and environmental impact that every organization can (and should choose to) have.
How?
Simply by supporting and promoting the personal and professional growth of their people, so that this growth can positively reflect not only within the organization itself, but also in the broader society to which they belong.
Once again, Team Building Natura®, with its truly innovative formats, can become the right tool for companies that wish to play a leading role in sustainable development.
From Micro-Enterprises to Multinationals
41. We recognize that each country has primary responsibility for its own economic and social development. […] We acknowledge the role of the diverse private sector in implementing the Agenda, from micro-enterprises to cooperatives and multinational corporations, as well as the role of civil society organizations and philanthropic institutions. […]
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, The New Agenda
A People’s Agenda, By the People and For the People
52. “We the Peoples” is the opening phrase of the Charter of the United Nations. It is “we the peoples” who are embarking today on the road to 2030. Our journey will involve governments and parliaments, the United Nations system and other international institutions, local authorities, indigenous peoples, civil society, business and the private sector, the scientific and academic community—and all people. Millions have already engaged with this Agenda and will make it their own. It is an Agenda of the people, by the people, and for the people—and this, we believe, will ensure its success.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A Call to Action to Change Our World
Private Entrepreneurship, Investment, and Innovation
67. Private business activity, investment, and innovation are major drivers of productivity, inclusive economic growth, and job creation. We acknowledge the diversity of the private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives and multinational corporations. We call on all businesses to apply their creativity and innovation to solving sustainable development challenges. We will foster a dynamic and well-functioning business sector while protecting labor rights and environmental and health standards, in accordance with relevant international norms and agreements and ongoing initiatives, such as the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s labor standards, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and key multilateral environmental agreements for those parties to such agreements.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Means of Implementation and the Global Partnership
Collaboration & Partnership
Throughout the declaration, there are numerous references to unity, sharing, collaboration, and partnership.
Interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals
Collaboration. […] The interlinkages of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realized. If we achieve our ambitions across the entire Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Preamble
Global Partnership
39. The ambitious scope of the new Agenda calls for a revitalized Global Partnership to ensure its implementation. […]
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, The New Agenda
The Future of Humanity Is in Our Hands
53. The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It also lies in the hands of today’s younger generation, who will pass the torch to future generations. We have charted the road to sustainable development; it will be for all of us to ensure that the journey is successful and its gains irreversible.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, 70/1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A Call to Action to Change Our World
Together, It Is Possible
The message seems clear: only together will it be possible to achieve the long-awaited goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
And what tools can truly make a difference?
We firmly believe that developing the inherently human qualities that define Team Building Natura® can play a fundamental role.
That is why we offer ourselves as partners to all companies and organizations that wish to be part of this great global transformation that awaits us.
An Invitation
In conclusion, to us the declaration is first and foremost an invitation to recognize ourselves and others as human beings, regardless of the role each of us plays within society.
An invitation to foster the development of every individual’s potential, thereby contributing to their evolution and, by extension, to that of the collective.
And an invitation to become more aware of ourselves and of the impact we can have on others and on the planet—taking responsibility on one hand, while on the other embracing the opportunity to become co-creators of a better world, in which we can live and thrive sustainably and in total harmony with Nature.
A Challenge to Embrace
For all these reasons, we believe that Team Building Natura® can truly serve as a valuable tool for companies and organizations that have chosen to embrace the challenge launched by the 2030 Agenda and intend to actively contribute to achieving its goals and targets.
We are here, ready to support you on your extraordinary journey.
We are here, ready to support you on your extraordinary journey.
