Vision: To convince everybody they have a vested interest in fighting for the environment – however disenfranchised they feel. Action: Creator of the Observer Ethical Awards, Siegle thinks the circular economy has enormous potential to create positive change. @lucysiegle
Vision: A corruption-free Ukraine. Action: Appointed head of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Committee in 2014, she resigned after five months saying there was no political will in Ukraine to carry out a large- scale war against corruption. Her investigative journalism resulted in an attack in 2013 that many believe was ordered by the Ukrainian president for her investigation into his new luxury palace.
Vision: A society free of prejudice. Action: Parks refused to give up her seat to a white commuter on a bus in 1955. She became an icon of the modern Civil Rights Movement and a symbol of peaceful resistance to racial segregation. Her small, quiet and lone protest was to have a huge influence on the self-worth of an entire nation, one that still inspires many today. www.RosaParksFacts.com
Vision: Raising the number of women on boards to 20 percent by 2020. Action: Sonnabend believes her campaign will redefine good corporate governance and gender diversity standards, and create corporate action. The best boards harvest diverse experience, skills and perspective. www.2020WOB.com
Vision: To serve society’s most pressing needs by unlocking the potential of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs – the poor. Action: With a mission to interact, incubate and create, Yunus created the world’s first bank for the poor, with a focus on rural women. The bank now has revenue of US$178 million and employs more than 22,000 people. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. www.GrameenCreativeLab.com
Vision: A world where no one is powerless and creating change is part of everyday life. Action: The world’s first online platform for change has provided a petition tool for more than 87 million users since 2007. Rattray’s mission is to empower people everywhere to create the change they want to see. Twenty-five million people across 50 countries have already participated in at least one winning campaign. www.Change.org
Vision: Change everywhere requires everyone to be a changemaker. Action: The role of the social entrepreneur is to advance change for the common good and to conceive new patterns that grow and spread. The best way is to get local people to see this vision, to want it and to organize to make it happen. In 1980 he launched Ashoka with a vision of “Everyone a Changemaker.” www.Ashoka.org
Vision: A society that nurtures tolerance and understanding among all people. Action: The Archbishop Emeritus has identified essential human values as the building blocks for sustainable peace: Love, hope, tolerance and courage. His role as a spiritual leader has transgressed all cultures and religions as he’s made the world aware of our shared humanity. www.Tutu.org
Vision: Solving the world’s energy problems through smart energy means, and solving social problems while you’re at it. Action: Ideas are a necessary first ingredient – and the bigger the idea, the better. He’s turning municipal sewage into usable methane gas, generating 40 million litres of ethanol fuel per year. www.GrowingPower.com
Vision: A truly equal world where women run half our countries and companies, and men run half our homes. Action: Demonstrated the ability of women to run global enterprises. Wrote Lean In to help professional women achieve their career goals and for men who want to contribute more to an equitable society. More female voices in power will create more equitable opportunities for everyone. www.leanin.com
