Everyone can help change the world
On a chilly March afternoon in Washington, a group of us had just finished some meetings and were taking a recess, meandering along
Independence Avenue. Along the way, we chanced upon an imposing Norman-style castle, and its nostalgic aura was enough to lure us inside. We soon learned that this was the Smithsonian Institution Building, the headquarters managing 19 world-class museums, galleries and cultural and research centers that focus on science, the arts and humanities.
What most piqued my curiosity was the story of its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson, who surprisingly never even set foot on US soil. An accomplished chemist and mineralogist, one of Smithson’s lifelong wishes was to promote knowledge. He, therefore, instructed that his entire estate be donated to establishing the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated solely “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian was established in 1846 thanks to the staggering donation of $508,318.46 (which equaled 1.5 percent of the total US federal budget at that time).
This revelation moved me deeply. It made me realize how every individual has a civic and humane duty to make the world a better place. The responsibility for contributing to the advancement of societies, whether through investment in schools, museums, hospitals, research centers or green spaces, should not rest on just the public sector. Rather, we should spread this principle of civic engagement and philanthropy to everyone, from businesses to charities and donors. Everyone can dutifully contribute to creating the beautiful visions we dream of our societies becoming. Rightfully, a lot of corporations are engaging in philanthropy and finding that they can be successful and still be socially responsible. In a global survey polling 30,000 consumers in 60 countries, research by Nielsen finds that consumers are willing to pay more for products or services from businesses that engage in positive social and environmental projects. Regionally, 63 percent of Middle Eastern consumers were willing to do so. In addition, it was found that employees prefer to work with corporations that are socially responsible.
Many stellar corporations have long been engaging in philanthropy and are really creative with their projects. One fantastic example is that of the Walt Disney Company. In 2018, Disney pledged $100 million and dedicated a team of employees to redesign children’s hospitals so that they are more child-friendly. Not only that, but Disney also grants more than 10,000 wishes each year to seriously ill children from around the world. Philanthropists also play pivotal roles in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Bill Gates is probably the first who comes to mind. In 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was founded to “improve the quality of life for individuals around the world,” and has since donated more than $50 billion to various causes.
Businesses and philanthropists can channel their creative energies and wealth toward addressing some of the global challenges we face today. It is an opportunity to leave a transcendent and memorable mark on our world.