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Millennials as Agents of Change in Environmental and Social Issues


Millennials are part of a generation that has a strong command of technology, always concerned about building community, creative, and in pursuit of innovation.

If you were born between 1981 and 2000, you have probably heard some unpleasant phrases about how millennials are perceived, with statements like "they don't do things right" or "they don't believe in commitment." But if you are a millennial, you surely have some comments on this matter.

Millennials are part of a generation that possesses a strong command of technology, always concerned about building community, being creative, and seeking innovation. When it comes to Social Investment and Sustainability, they are considered the first generation with environmental awareness and powerful agents of social change. They do not believe that governments alone can solve these issues, so they expect companies to take responsibility and actively contribute to promoting these changes alongside them. In general, their primary objective is not solely to accumulate wealth, but to construct a sustainable world that benefits everyone and generates positive change in society.

Millennials prefer to ensure fair treatment of suppliers, develop innovative products and services, create a positive impact on consumers/customers, and ultimately secure the future of the company they work for. Likewise, they are concerned about the potential negative impact of being associated with a company that lacks environmental and social strategies and has a poor reputation.

As a result, financial considerations are no longer the sole focus for new investors, especially those from the millennial generation. Companies or funds with specific social or environmental objectives are becoming increasingly relevant. According to the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing, by 2050, business opportunities for companies with sustainable approaches could range from 3 to 10 billion dollars annually, equivalent to 4.5% of global GDP.

Overall, based on what we have seen so far, millennials are one of the generations with the highest social and environmental consciousness, and they seek to work for companies that share these values. According to a study conducted by Universum Global, by 2020, this generation will constitute 50% of the workforce, and by 2025, they will make up 75% of the total global labor force. Therefore, they are a powerful force to drive these initiatives across all sectors and incorporate them into their lifestyle.

We invite you to reflect on this. As a member of Generation X once said, "I am also a millennial because an important part of my life has happened in this new millennium, and I share many of the younger generation's visions and significant aspects of their lifestyle." When it comes to Sustainable Development, we should all be millennials.