Abstract:

It is undeniable that some threats to our societal models today are of a global scale. Indeed, all countries, rich and poor, face profound social imbalances, environmental challenges and sustainable development concerns, calling for socially responsible practices from businesses and States. The rampant consumerism, the excessive industrialization and the westernized economic model, which is applied by emerging countries today and will be embraced by developing countries tomorrow, are likely to shake the fate of the world and endanger an already fragile social peace. Indeed, globalization and global capitalism are putting more pressure on our planet and on human development and are increasingly perceived today as the cause of many economic, social and environmental problems. High consumption and intense accumulation bring to the fore questions on sustainable development and social responsibility. These topics are in the media spotlight, obviously, but what is more crucial is that they are to incite public and private organizations to take much needed measures to limit the side effects of globalization. Aren’t future generations entitled to the benefits of globalization, which promises to improve living standards, reduce poverty and respect human dignity? This paper retraces and analyses the concepts of sustainable development and corporate responsibility since their first appearance until today and examines the challenges they impose in the wake of globalization. It offers an analytical debate on the perception of human dignity and sharing with others, the role of the public and private sectors regarding their contribution to social justice and to an egalitarian development. It highlights researches and analyses regarding the evolution of our economic and social environment in the respect of human, personal, social, economic and political rights, to be really worthy of mankind.