Old Mutual takes B20 to the people

IOL News

19 hours ago

At a time when the voices of ordinary citizens matter the most, Old Mutual is championing inclusive dialogue through its Add Your Voice campaign, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between global policy discussions and everyday South Africans. Central to this effort is the People's Podium, a platform that invites citizens from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives on critical economic and social issues, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping a more equitable future.
Borne out of a desire to encourage active citizenship during South Africa's G20 Presidency, the Add Your Voice campaign endeavours to promote inclusive dialogue, leading to inclusive growth.
'Guided by B20 South Africa's theme of inclusive growth and prosperity through global cooperation, we want to host and participate in discussions that address some of the world's leading economic challenges. The result is policy recommendations that are not only actionable but reflect the values of collaboration and inclusivity,' said Celiwe Ross, Director for Group Strategy, Sustainability, People and Public Affairs at Old Mutual Limited.
The multi-channel, digitally led campaign coincides with and builds on Old Mutual's partnership with the B20 Summit. As part of the partnership, several members of the Old Mutual team will help guide discussions across four of the eight B20 task forces, ensuring that the talks feature localised input and perspectives.
Envisioned as an open space that invites and champions the input of every South African, Add Your Voice gives people the chance to engage with B20 via popular social media platforms, supported by other channels to amplify as many voices as possible. People can share their experiences, both social and economic, their views on national policy and objectives, and their overall thoughts on how the country and leaders can best achieve them.
At the heart of Old Mutual's Add Your Voice campaign is The People's Podium, which South Africans can engage with through relevant channels. The podium enables citizens to share their personal aspirations and definitions of progress, thoughts on how to combat the nation's systemic challenges, and visualise their economic future.
'The People's Podium is an explicit response to the need to bridge the gap between people and policy, eliminating the disconnect that many South Africans feel towards policy decision-making. Big, meaningful conversations are never and should never be limited to boardrooms or the corridors of power. We have an opportunity to hear directly from South Africans on what matters most to them,' Ross explained.
The campaign will also feature a wide range of content that aims to amplify voices, educate audiences, simplify complex information, offer expert insights and position Old Mutual as an information bridge between ordinary South Africans and the B20 proceedings.
'Policy is not always discussed and shared in an accessible way, using terms and overarching ideas that do not connect or even resonate with people's lived realities. By demystifying economic policy and gathering citizen input, we're not just facilitating public engagement, but empowering people to have a say in how we put South Africa on the right path to transformation,' Ross explained.
Add Your Voice is a rallying call for South Africans to rise up and be heard. Old Mutual encourages everyone to be on the lookout for campaign material and activations and get ready to share their ideas, thoughts and aspirations as we forge our future together.