SDG Business Forum calls for business to move from strategy to delivery on Global Goals

Co-hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the United Nations Global Compact, the Forum —— gathered nearly 600 stakeholders to dive deep into sustainable financing, the future of business and scaling ambition for a sustainable world.

In her keynote address, Amina J. Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, said:

“The Global Goals have been gaining traction around the world, reflecting their universal nature. However, the bottom line is that we are still not on track. And the urgency of achieving the goals — of which ambitious climate action is a part — demands that we pick up the pace.

“There is still time for us to get on track. And there is a very solid base for this optimism, including a committed global movement — including many of you in this room — ready to move to another level,” she added.

Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, echoed the Deputy Secretary-General’s call for urgent action, encouraging all stakeholders to consider ways in which they can step up efforts for a better future for all.

“It is encouraging to see how the buy-in across Governments and stakeholders — including from business and industry for this universal agenda — remains strong. Yet, recent reports show that we are still far from achieving the SDGs at the global level, by their target year.”

Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, shared results from the recently published UN Global Compact Progress Report 2019. According to the report, 90% of UN Global Compact participants responding to a survey reported to have policies and practices in place for each of the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact. Out of the respondents, 81% reported to be taking action on the Global Goals.

Ms Kingo emphasised that it is critical for these ambitions to be matched with action. *

“Despite the fact that many businesses have sustainability strategies, policies and codes of conduct in place, it is no guarantee for measurable impact. Being an impactful sustainable business means fully integrating sustainability into core business strategy, operations, supply chain management and stakeholder engagement.”

The panel discussions during the SDG Business Forum focused on ways for companies to tangibly integrate the SDGs into their financing, operational processes and internal decision-making. Panellists also shared views on the changing landscape of business as it contends with global changes.

John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary-General highlighted the importance of aligning private financing with the Global Goals.

“We need a real, honest and no-holds barred discussion on properly aligning financial systems with the imperative of sustainable development. Despite some promising signs, sustainable finance remains a market exception at a moment in history when people and our planet require it to be the norm,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Paul Polman, ICC Chair and Co-founder of Imagine, referred to the financing gap of US$ 2-3 trillion to make the SDGs a reality by 2030.

“This is probably the biggest business opportunity that we have seen in the history of mankind.”

He reminded the audience that the world is arriving to a point in time, where the cost of not taking action is becoming higher than the cost of action.

The SDG Business Forum was supported by the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Italian Republic along with the  Prince’s Responsible Business Network, the International Organisation of Employers and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. It took place on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.