How to Consciously Align Your Business with the Global Goals
Updated: Nov 3, 2018
The United Nations acknowledges that private businesses have a substantial role to play in turning the Global Goals into tangible realities. A look at the ambitious list of the 17 goals may leave the business executive blinking in wonder. How can any business contribute to all these important goals? How important is it?
PwC Report says businesses and the public see the Global Goals as vitally important
PwC was quick to come up with its research figures. The resulting report, though published last year, remains interesting reading. In a nutshell, the PwC findings were:
71% of business hope to engage with the Global Goals
41% are examining ways in which their business can incorporate the Global Goals into strategy
Last year, only 13% of businesses reported that they knew how to benchmark themselves against the Global Goals
90% of ordinary people felt that it was “important” for businesses to align themselves with the Global Goals
What steps should companies take to engage with the Global Goals?
According to PwC’s Sustainable Business Solutions Advisory Leader, Clinton Maloney, a four-step process has been suggested for businesses who hope to integrate the Global Goals into their business goals.
Determine how each element in the value chain impacts on the Global Goals, whether directly or indirectly.
Actively seek out ways to minimize any negative impacts on the Global Goals caused by your business while striving to enhance positive contributions towards the Global Goals.
Continuously evaluate business goals and achievements in the light of the Global Goals.
How businesses benefit from integrating sustainable development goals into strategy
Improved business operations and stronger revenue generation through innovation and improved efficiencies
Contribution to an enabling environment by such actions as participation in the development of national policies
Enhancement of reputation and stakeholder relations through engaging with the Global Goals to not only enhance corporate image but also contribute to greater staff engagement.
Examples of Global Goals engagement
Just how your company engages with the Global Goals will depend largely on your company’s unique situation, but analysts recommend that companies work towards their strengths. For example, a pharmaceutical products manufacturer could look at ways to remove barriers that are preventing underprivileged patients form having access to the improved health their drugs could bring. Other examples include:
Supporting causes that will foster one or more of the Global Goals
Raising awareness of the Global Goals and welcoming ideas as to how the company can contribute
Setting equality goals that promote the rights and opportunities of women and the disabled in the workplace
Reducing waste and recycling materials where possible
Reducing emissions and seeking alternatives to polluting products
Sustainability as a business principle
Promoting sustainability is not just something businesses do once or twice a year; it should form part of their daily activities across all departments. So if you haven’t done so yet, start brainstorming and get everyone in your organization to participate. A better world for all is also a better world to do business in! Start preparing your roadmap to sustainability now.
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.