Why humanity must Win in the end

As I reflect on the current state of governments worldwide, I am struck by the magnitude of the challenges they face. While some governments are valiantly striving on multiple fronts to stay afloat, others are taking a backseat to the private sector, which has emerged as a significant player in areas traditionally reserved for the government. This has led me to ponder who truly constitutes the government and whether the actions of the private sector can be considered as their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Governments, beyond the bureaucracy and its administrators, often lack a tangible face or form. They may simply be a confluence of various entities coming together around a common interest. This fact becomes evident during times of calamity, when the bonds of a government are laid bare, and its fragility is exposed. We are witnessing this phenomenon in many parts of the world as governments struggle to put together a "coordinated" approach, which in reality is a stark reminder of the inherent weaknesses in government systems.

This is where the private sector has stepped in to help bridge the gaps that the government ideally should have addressed in the first place. The pandemic we are facing cannot be solely managed by the government; it requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving various policy interventions and concerted efforts to provide swift assistance. While some may view the private sector's involvement in helping the government combat a devastating pandemic as an extension of their CSR actions, or even a PR opportunity, the true impact of their actions lies in how they directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens who may have otherwise been left without aid.

Furthermore, the actions of the private sector during this pandemic inadvertently highlight the shortcomings of countries' healthcare systems. It is unprecedented to see countries openly acknowledging the deficiencies in their healthcare infrastructure. However, this presents an opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen other sectors of society through collaborative efforts between public and private stakeholders. It also raises the bar for accountability metrics, enabling citizens to demand better services beyond what is offered through public goods, when all factors are held constant.

While it is commendable to see some corporations stepping up by reconfiguring their production lines or providing resources, others have seemingly gone into hibernation mode. This has prompted calls online for profit-making companies to come forward and contribute during this crisis. It begs the question of whether there should be a business case for humanitarian actions or if humanity should take precedence in decision-making and resource allocation. While clear visibility of approval processes and reporting is essential, humanitarian efforts should be treated as special cases that may not necessarily be subjected to stringent business case checks before execution.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed a global spotlight on how private businesses are utilizing their assets and funds for social good during an unprecedented crisis that has brought the global economy to a standstill. Governments are now relying on the innovation and resources of both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large entities such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Tesla, and others, to address some of the world's most pressing needs. Every government is now grappling with a delicate balancing act between the economy, the welfare of its citizens, and the survival of its industries and institutional systems in the face of an almost halting global landscape.

Ultimately, humanity prevails. This is a crucial aspect of life that we must not forget during these trying times. We can draw inspiration from Rotary, an organization guided by "The Four-Way Test," an ethical compass for Rotarians in their personal and professional relationships. It asks us to consider:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

These four tenets provide us with a true north, guiding us in navigating through the complexities of our world with