Ir para o conteúdo See content
PT EN

We live in challenging times. Whether from social, economic and political perspectives, discussions related to human rights have long been necessary in Brazil, and are now taking center stage in the country’s agenda.

The health, economic and humanitarian crises generated by the Covid-19 pandemic have further exposed vulnerable populations to the deeply rooted inequality ever-present throughout Brazil’s history. The pandemic has allowed us to better understand the extent that gender, race and sexual orientation – along with other markers of social difference – affect Brazilians’ ability to exercise their fundamental rights. At the same time, the pandemic has awakened a widespread sense of solidarity and the understanding that collective responsibility, commitment and effort are required for effective social transformation.

The pandemic has awakened a widespread sense of solidarity and the understanding that collective responsibility, commitment and effort are required for effective social transformation.”

A picture of Roberto Quiroga, seated, looking forward with a slight smile. His forearms are resting on a white table, with one hand on top of the other. There is a white wall in the background, and he is wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue suit jacket.

In building a society that is truly more just, plural and egalitarian for both current and future generations, we must all act as agents of the transformation we want to see. Based on this premise, caring for people and the collective must be a priority. It is necessary to ensure wider and more effective access to justice, as well as the dissemination of legal knowledge and respect for human rights. We must strive for further diversity and be aware of the necessity to have difficult conversations, looking at the past with a critical eye. By sparking in-depth debate on sensitive topics, we can understand how to leverage our contributions in order to identify the most appropriate solutions for everyone to progress. Moreover, citizens and companies who reap society’s benefits should play an inherent role in giving back to it by contributing to its advancement. It is thus necessary to seek out new sustainable alternatives and solutions that contribute to fighting environmental issues, encouraging an increasingly creative and mature economy.

For these reasons, affirmative actions concerning justice and equality in terms of opportunities and rights converge with human and sustainable development on the path towards upward mobility. As individuals, companies, public authorities and organized civil society, we are called on to act and join efforts to tackle inequality in any form. The concept of justice is completely at odds with privilege; as a society, we must realize that evolving requires preferencing the former over the latter. It is only through civic and collective engagement that we will overcome the errors of our past. Knowledge not only changes the world but the way we see it.

The concept of justice is completely at odds with privilege; as a society, we must realize that evolving requires preferencing the former over the latter. It is only through civic and collective engagement that we will overcome the errors of our past.”

A picture of Roberto Quiroga, reclined in a chair. One of his elbows is propped up on the table beside him, while the other is touching the back of the chair, with his hands clasped in front of his chest. He is wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue suit jacket. He is wearing a light blue shirt with a dark blue suit jacket.

From the corporate perspective, structured governance with both a global stance and awareness of the challenges to come is key to aligning people with these purposes. With a solid foundation and adequate preparation, adverse impacts are minimized and actions can be more assertive and successful. In the current context, social responsibility must become central in corporate strategic planning. By betting on plurality and diverse forms of talent, it is possible to increase gains in innovation and success in results, as perspectives in the world of business – and the world itself – become more complete and grounded.

Companies’ commitments to the collective context in their external positioning inevitably lead to the continuation of good internal practices, especially when social contributions are relevant to society’s needs and regard human and environmental aspects. The promotion of sustainable practices within organizations and the incentive to preserve the environment are also mandatory and unavoidable, as we depend on a healthy and abundant planet for us to keep existing and evolving. Meanwhile, as citizens, there is a crucial need for us to be conscious and responsible in our attitudes.

I believe we must keep in mind that social transformation requires dedication and long-term commitment. The goal of giving back to society and continuously contributing to its advancement is inherent to the role of organizations. It is necessary to keep an eye on the future, without losing sight of the efforts needed in the present to secure its prosperity. By prioritizing collective welfare together with a clear understanding of the centrality of Human Rights, we will set ourselves on the path to excellence and progress in all aspects.

We must keep in mind that social transformation requires dedication and long-term commitment. The goal of giving back to society and continuously contributing to its advancement is inherent to the role of organizations.”