IS REBUILDING TRUST THE FOUNDATION FOR SYSTEMS CHANGE WE NEED?

Jolana Amara
Jun 6
5 min read

In today’s world, we find ourselves grappling with a cascade of crises: environmental degradation accelerating at an unprecedented rate, economic instability leaving millions vulnerable, and social polarization driving wedges between communities. At the heart of these challenges lies an erosion of trust—between individuals, communities, and the institutions designed to serve them. This mistrust, rooted in historical inequities and exacerbated by systemic failures, has become a defining feature of our times.

What if rebuilding trust could serve as the foundation for the systems change we so desperately need? Could healing the fractures in our social fabric be the key to unlocking solutions to the global environmental and economic crises? But what if the world does not require yet another business model, and instead an intentional, collective effort to address the systemic challenges that undermine our ability to live in harmony with each other and the planet, while businesses thrive and communities flourish? To achieve this, trust—both in one another and in the systems that govern us—must be restored.

Imagine a regenerative world where the economy functions to serve people, communities are empowered to make equitable decisions, and environmental stewardship is embedded into every action. Such a world requires a shift in values, a commitment to sustainability, and a reimagining of how we interact with the natural world and each other. It requires us to collectively heal, cultivate awareness, and foster empathy. By rebuilding trust, we can bridge divides, co-create solutions, and begin to regenerate both our communities and our planet.

Restoring trust begins with healing the deep wounds caused by inequities, mismanagement, and systemic failures. Healing requires us to share our stories - authentic, unfiltered narratives that reflect our humanity.

THE COST OF LOST TRUST

The erosion of trust comes with profound consequences. Without trust, collaboration falters, decisions are delayed, and resources are misallocated. Mistrust between governments and citizens has led to widespread disillusionment and civic disengagement. In the corporate world, a lack of trust erodes employee morale, stifles innovation, and alienates customers. On a global scale, the absence of trust between nations hampers coordinated efforts to address existential threats like climate change and economic inequality.

In the Global South, mistrust toward international aid organizations has deep historical roots. Colonial legacies, exploitative trade practices, and the prioritization of donor interests over local needs have left communities questioning the true intentions of foreign aid. This skepticism is further fueled by instances where aid projects disproportionately benefit donor countries. For example, many aid programs allocate significant funds to expensive foreign consultants, leaving minimal resources for local infrastructure or capacity building.

A clear illustration is the recurring criticism of large-scale agricultural projects, where aid organizations have promoted industrial farming techniques and foreign seed companies at the expense of traditional farming practices. These initiatives often fail to consider the cultural, environmental, and economic realities of the local communities they aim to serve, fostering dependency rather than self-sufficiency. This cycle of mismanagement and exclusion has resulted in a deepening mistrust, with local populations increasingly disengaging from programs that claim to support them. If trust were present, these same communities could work hand-in-hand with aid organizations, shaping programs that align with their needs and priorities, fostering a sense of ownership, and ensuring sustainable outcomes that benefit all stakeholders. For international aid to truly succeed, it must be reimagined as a partnership rooted in respect, transparency, and local leadership. Only by centering the voices and expertise of the communities themselves can these programs rebuild trust and achieve lasting, meaningful change.

A PATHWAY TO RESTORED TRUST

Restoring trust begins with healing the deep wounds caused by inequities, mismanagement, and systemic failures. Healing requires us to share our stories—authentic, unfiltered narratives that reflect our humanity. When individuals and communities open up about their experiences, they invite others to step into their world and foster understanding. Through storytelling, we uncover shared struggles and aspirations, creating the foundation for empathy.

Empathy is the bridge that connects us. By truly listening and striving to understand the perspectives of others, we nurture a sense of shared humanity. Empathy doesn’t mean agreement but rather the willingness to see the world through another’s eyes.

Empathy is the bridge that connects us. By truly listening and striving to understand the perspectives of others, we nurture a sense of shared humanity. Empathy doesn’t mean agreement but rather the willingness to see the world through another’s eyes. This connection can dissolve barriers of mistrust, enabling collaboration where it once seemed impossible. With empathy as a key pillar, trust begins to grow. Trust is built incrementally—through consistent actions, transparent communication, and a demonstrated commitment to fairness and equity. Institutions and individuals alike must show, not just tell, that they are worthy of trust. This means prioritizing integrity, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering environments where accountability is non-negotiable.

A pathway to restored trust is not linear but iterative. It requires a constant effort to reflect, learn, and adapt. By grounding ourselves in humanity, fostering empathy, and committing to transparent and equitable practices, we can rebuild trust. And with trust as the foundation, we can

co-create a future that is not only sustainable but truly regenerative.

RESTORING TRUST:

EXAMPLES OF TANGIBLE CHANGE

Patagonia

Restoring trust can yield profound and tangible improvements for both communities and businesses. One powerful example comes from the corporate world: the case of Patagonia, a company that has consistently prioritized transparency, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices. By openly sharing its supply chain practices and committing to sustainability, Patagonia has earned the trust of its customers and employees alike. This trust has translated into strong brand loyalty and consistent growth, even in competitive markets. Patagonia’s approach demonstrates how prioritizing trust and integrity can create a thriving business that aligns profit with purpose.

Connecting Communities BC

In governance, the Haida Gwaii archipelago in British Columbia offers an inspiring example of restoring trust. The Haida Nation and the Canadian government established a co-management agreement to oversee the region’s natural resources, particularly its forests. This partnership was built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainability. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices into resource management, the agreement not only protected the environment but also fostered economic opportunities for the Haida people. This restoration of trust between a marginalized community and the government serves as a blueprint for equitable collaboration, demonstrating how trust can lead to both ecological and economic resilience.

REFLECTING ON THE POWER OF TRUST

As we navigate an era defined by complexity and uncertainty, the role of trust cannot be overstated. Trust is not merely an abstract ideal; it is the connective tissue that enables collaboration, fosters resilience, and drives progress. Whether in the corporate world, within governments, or among communities, the restoration of trust offers a pathway to addressing our most pressing global challenges.

The examples of Patagonia and Haida Gwaii remind us that trust is built through transparency, mutual respect, and shared purpose. These stories illuminate what is possible when trust is prioritized—not only as a value but as a practice embedded in every decision and action. They show that restoring trust is not just about mending what is broken but about building something better—a regenerative world where businesses thrive, communities flourish, and ecosystems heal.

This journey begins with us. By fostering empathy, practicing accountability, and committing to inclusive, equitable collaboration, we each have the power to contribute to a foundation of trust that can sustain and uplift us all. As we move forward, let us reflect on the ways we can build trust in our own lives, our work, and our communities—and how these efforts can ripple outward to inspire the systemic change our world so urgently needs.

This journey begins with us. By fostering empathy, practicing accountability, and committing to inclusive, equitable collaboration, we each have the power to contribute to a foundation of trust that can sustain and uplift us all.