ICC and UN Global Compact align efforts to mobilize business on SDGs

Following the opening of a special SDG Business Forum, John Danilovich, ICC Secretary General and Lise Kingo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), stressing, among other things: the need to enhance UN engagement with business around the SDGs, and the potential for further increasing business and industry engagement in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

“The expectations and opportunities for business in the new SDG era are immense.  That is why we are so pleased to partner with ICC to turn the aspirations of the global goals into business action around the world. We must build a global movement of committed companies – big and small – that will lead the way to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” said Lise Kingo.

“ICC has actively supported the Global Compact since its inception and we look forward to ever closer cooperation in the context of the UN’s 2030 agenda,” said Mr Danilovich. “Our new agreement is a clear and visible symbol of the world business organization’s commitment to ensure that business is a genuine force for good in society. Fully mobilizing the global business community will be essential if we are to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The signing took place on the side-lines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (11-20 July 2016), a now annual platform for reviewing progress and guiding global efforts on the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. ICC and the UN Global Compact were lead organisers of the SDG Business Forum along with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the ICC-led Global Business Alliance for 2030.