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So what do we mean by sustainability? Sustainability means utilizing resources in such a way that the future generation is not deprived from them. In other worlds, a sustainability-seeking world also considers the future generation as a stakeholder.

When we narrow it down we come across a range of sub-issues related to sustainability. These include the environment, poverty, education; healthcare and a rational resource-allocative environment in the organizational setting. All such factors determine what resources will be available for the future generation, and this is where the non-profit organizations and corporate/non corporate stakeholders come into play.

In the corporate world social responsibility is a widespread phenomenon and companies worldwide have integrated to join the best practices in this field. For this they need creativity and innovation and this is where students can give the corporate world a helping hand.

MNC-s are devoted to sharing their resources for creating a positive impact on society. They sponsor numerous events and activities executed by students. I had the chance to participate in Model WTO 2008 at St.Gallen, Switzerland. It was a simulation of the Ministerial Meet of the WTO and is yearly event organized by Oikos, St. Gallen. Oikos is an international student organization that works in the field of sustainable economics and management. The official sponsor for Model WTO was Shell which is devoted to allocating vast resources for renewable energy and sustainability.

From the materials provided by the sponsors and from a keynote from one of its VPs, it was understood that they have several stakes in working with this student organization.

First of all they need to inform the progress they have done so far for sustainability, to various groups, including student organizations. Informing students about their CSR activities and the ensuing sustainability allows the upcoming leaders -the students- to get a perfect view of the latest trends and changes in sustainability.

Secondly, they are willing to work with students and even help them develop their career paths. Therefore, they not only get to take the views and opinions of students, but they also get a chance to choose from a pool of prospective workers to employ in the future.

Now comes the question - How can non-profit organizations attract sufficient resources for sustainability?

Students can stress on the stakes of such multinationals and organize events so as to meet their needs and get resources and sponsorships instead. In the end there is an understanding towards a more sustainable world.

For organizations like AIESEC where the resources are the 'people' themselves, the best way to attract them is to help them achieve their goals. On a clearer note both prospective employees and employers are the resources required for exchange. Convincing prospective employees that employing interns from diverse backgrounds and thereby having a more sustainable work environment, will make them more competitive in the global scene. Similarly, creating the need for prospective quality interns and being selective in doing so will ensure that the best resources are being allocated to the best employers.

Other non-profit organizations, such as those working for the disabled or Human Rights organizations, attract resources depending on several factors.

These organizations need to ensure that they have the best volunteers and the best workers so that potential donors can see that their contributions are being handled in proper hands. Potential donors can be private individuals, and involving the donors with the projects is another key to attract more resources from them.

Another effective tool that allows resources to be shared by donors is by systematically recognizing the donors and their contributions. This doesn't necessarily mean that organizations have to praise and publicize each and every donor. Instead if they recognize the collaborative efforts of donors and incorporate their contributions in the success of the organization, they are more likely to attract additional resources to run the organizations effectively.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that it is also possible to gain access to sufficient resources by collaboratively working with other organizations that already have the resources. Voluntary organizations can build channels with the government and also educational institutions. This way they have access to a wider network of resources that lead to sustainability. The collaborative efforts of students and the wider society help us move towards a sustainability-seeking world.

(Economics and Social Sciences Department, BRAC University)