The following article gives an overview of the key outcomes of the 3rd report published by the Italian Sodalitas Observatory on Corporate Social Sustainability. This report investigated the culture of sustainability among Italian citizens, examining their knowledge, evaluations, and expectations regarding social sustainability, with the aim to provide companies with insights to develop more effective action and communication strategies.
Key outcomes:
Knowledge among young: approximately 30% of Italians aged 18 to 24 feel informed about sustainability, and are familiar with the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, having received sustainability education, primarily through schools and universities.
Awareness of environmental and social sustainability: citizens recognize the importance of addressing both dimensions with equal commitment, viewing them as interconnected.
Role of businesses in social change: businesses are seen as one of the most influential actors, after government and European institutions, in promoting social and environmental change.
Impact of sustainability on corporate reputation: companies’ commitment to sustainability positively influences their reputation and consumers’ willingness to purchase their products and services, and therefore there is a significant economic benefit.
Sustainability communication: corporate communication on sustainability sees unclear by citizens, evaluating it as not always trustworthy.
In summary, it is important for companies to integrate sustainability into their strategies, respond to citizens’ expectations, and communicate their commitments and results transparently and concretely. In particular, Italian youth are leading the way in promoting sustainability, exhibiting higher levels of awareness and setting higher expectations for sustainable businesses.
Written by RESOLVO Team