Wanted: tri-sector athletes for the Global Goals
To complete our series on Partnerships for the Global Goals, we explore their greatest asset – people. But what particular skills do those working on transformative partnerships need to succeed?
They've been called the 'boundary-crossers', or 'tri-sector athletes' – and many people think they're essential to the transformational partnerships needed to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But who are they, and what skills do they need to have?
The phrase ‘tri-sector athlete’ was coined by Dominic Barton of McKinsey & Company. It recognised that the critical challenges society faces – such as climate change, water scarcity, healthcare and gender equality – can only be solved by business, government and non-profit sectors working together to create lasting solutions.
These kinds of partnerships require people – especially leaders – who are able to engage and collaborate across all three sectors.
As Jeff Seabright, Chief Sustainability Officer, Unilever says: "We need new ways of doing business to deliver the SDGs, and purpose-driven leaders who think flexibly and imaginatively about how they can have the most impact. Leaders who can communicate and get things done across different sectors.”
1-2 – time to start broadening your horizons?
2-4 – you've got the foundations in place – are you willing to learn?
4-6 – could you drive a transformational partnership?
We're always looking to connect with those who share an interest in a sustainable future.
Get in touch with Unilever and specialist teams in our headquarters, or find contacts around the world.
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