When the SDGs take on color: a journey to the heart of the “S"

Article by our Director of Sustainability at Mercan Properties

On June 4th, around twenty team members from various departments of Mercan Properties embarked on a journey centered around the “S” in ESG – the social pillar of sustainability, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Human Rights. The training blended in-class learning with immersive, on-site experiences, resulting in a day of deep reflection, human connection, and eye-opening discovery.

The morning session focused on the United Nations 2030 Agenda, exploring the role of companies in fostering sustainable development. Topics included diversity, equity, and inclusion, due diligence across the value chain, internal and external social responsibility, and organizational purpose – all key elements in today’s transforming business landscape. These themes were anchored in a common framework: the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a global roadmap established by the United Nations to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure dignity, peace, and prosperity for all. They span a broad range of goals, from education and gender equality to climate action, sustainable cities, and decent work. And while they are often seen as a responsibility of governments, companies play a crucial role in their achievement.

In the afternoon, the group visited Bairro do Zambujal, home to the Zambujal 360° project. Once stigmatized and excluded, this neighborhood is undergoing a remarkable transformation through the power of urban art, community involvement, and collaboration with the business sector. Seventeen murals, created by national and international artists, line the streets, each representing one of the 17 SDGs. More than mere artworks, they are large-scale narratives. Each wall tells a real, lived, deeply human, and inspiring story.

A powerful example is the mural dedicated to SDG 5 – Gender Equality. It depicts a couple playing chess, a game where men and women compete equally, free from physical or cultural advantages. But the metaphor goes beyond the board. The mural tells the story of Pedro das Neves, a local artist, and Soraia, his partner. He is Cape Verdean; she is of Roma descent. Their love was forbidden by tradition. They communicated in secret, exchanging hidden notes, until they decided to run away together. They faced fear, prejudice, and rejection. With courage and resilience, they challenged social conventions and claimed their right to love. Today, they are together, raising children, and immortalized in a mural where art becomes memory, resistance, and dignity.

This visit reminded us that the SDGs are not a technical document—they are a map for social transformation. And that the “S” in ESG is not limited to policies or regulations but lives in real stories, courageous choices, and the practice of human rights.

At Mercan Group, diversity is a fundamental pillar—especially in the hospitality sector, where serving a global, multicultural clientele is essential. But for us, diversity goes far beyond our guests. With over 30 nationalities among our team and more than 100 nationalities represented among our investors, we embody a true cultural richness that reinforces our vision of a sustainable future.

Through this experience, we gained new perspectives and a renewed sense of responsibility. It is up to us to turn values into actions and words into tangible commitments. Because sustainability starts with people. And it starts now.