In our current times, the balance between profit and purpose has never been more tested than during the current global health crisis which we presently face. As much as the pandemic has affected communities, cultures and countries across the world, it has impacted people on a personal level and shifted the perspective on international cooperation, and, of course, how we collaborate.
Being in a business environment has held numerous opportunities, but the biggest has always been strategic connectivity and utilising business platforms for good. Rethinking how to do so within a world crippled by COVID-19 has provided a challenge, but also, a way to engage bilaterally with a deeper focus in mind; namely, tapping into a skilled workforce through a virtual vantage point.
The launch of our online response platform, SolveSquad, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper community, brought together young professionals with unique skill sets, as well as international organisations with online challenges, through which virtual volunteering was the obvious solution. By addressing the need with the provision of an online solution, we were able to match individuals to initiatives and bring about accelerated learning and unique experiences to create meaningful impact.
Our matching model has brought about simple connections with stalwart partners, from small startups such as YumTum; which began as an online tool to boost productivity with online teams through culinary workshops, eventually garnering clients such as Google and Canva – to collaboration with the United Nations Major Group on Children and Youth as part of their COVID-19 Youth Platform.
Further to our focus on collaboration across borders, our local initiative quickly became a global platform, to which we spread our engagement working in multicultural teams. Our personal connection with People against Poverty has allowed the opportunity to launch rapid responses to emergencies in Africa and India, due to rapidly rising cases due to COVID-19, and engage directly with vulnerable communities to address localised issues within an international effort.
With the continued focus on new approaches to healthcare provision and support services, emerging job creation and remote working environments, as well as upskilling and learning education, we have been able to facilitate dialogue and discussion around all areas; including our recent invitation by the government to provide advisory solutions to utilising a younger workforce to address the current COVID-19 crisis.
As our commitment to addressing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic continues, we stand with other businesses, startups, international initiatives and NGOs, as well as aspiring young pioneers from migrant and refugee backgrounds who are leading the way in meeting the challenge of our times. Despite the polarising circumstances affecting our civilisation, we continue our endeavour to remain rooted to our goal of connecting individuals to a greater cause through our platform for change. We continue to think beyond our current crisis to a post-pandemic world in which online learning and virtual volunteering is the norm, not just an optional pastime. Through our creative platform, we continue to share the spotlight on emerging trends and current innovations that are paving the way forward for a formative generation.
In spite of isolation, our efforts continue forward in collaboration.
