They say “the last shall be first,” and that is why we could not help but notice and highlight the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) proposed by the United Nations – “partnerships for the implementation of the goals.” Although it is the last, it is the great call to action that alerts and reminds us of the importance of collaboration and teamwork as the most effective strategy or way to intervene in diverse contexts and achieve a common goal for all – sustainable development. 

Collaboration, cooperation and partnership

Collaboration, cooperation and partnership are concepts that are increasingly present and close in our daily lives, particularly among social organizations and within the scope of entrepreneurship and social innovation. All these concepts imply a highly relevant organizational synergistic process, where the results of collective dynamics are almost always greater than the sum of individual outcomes. 

Thus, we summarize some of the benefits of partnerships in five main points, particularly among social organizations: 

1. Increase in the number of beneficiaries, therefore, in the expected social impact of the various interventions and activities proposed by organizations;
2. Sometimes, the reduction of bureaucracy in processes, meaning that union/partnership/collaboration may reduce the number of associated bureaucratic procedures, as it implies shared responsibility among all; 
3. Greater credibility, since partnership is also synonymous with strength and positive power; 
4. Promotes transparency, considering that more than one party is involved and results and failures are necessarily shared by all;
5. Saves and/or increases available resources, whether human, material, internal or external, since partnership provides a broader set of possibilities.  

Global accountability: unity is urgent

Although it is less common to hear about collaboration between companies, the truth is that nowadays topics such as the climate emergency, sustainability, social responsibility and the future require us to look at this issue in an increasingly attentive and comprehensive way. Global accountability, shared commitment and promise are becoming a mission for everyone, regardless of condition or status. Unity is urgent.

The importance of strategic partners

Have you ever stopped to think about the number of strategic partners you may have around you? One of the great characteristics of IMPACTO POSITIVO is being accompanied by partners and clients who not only help us generate increasing impact, but also strengthen us towards achieving more and better results, both for us and for everyone around us and connected to us.

Saint Exupéry already said: “In the world there are no solutions. There are forces in motion. We must create them and the solutions will follow.”

Andreia Arenga
26.11.2021

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