Business showcases sustainable consumption and production solutions

The world’s highest-level decision-making body on environment is convening under the theme Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production from 11-15 March. As a Permanent Observer to the United Nations and the world’s largest business organization, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is on the ground in Nairobi and committed to working with all stakeholders to #SolveDifferent and to take a critical look at consumption and production patterns to help meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With the world’s population growing exponentially, demand for resources has never been higher. As a result, the environmental impacts and effects on people and the economy are also increasing at unprecedented rates.

▪       The world’s population is expected to increase to ten billion by 2050

▪       Agriculture production will need to increase by 60% by 2050

▪       Water demand will increase by 55% by 2050

▪       World’s consumption of raw materials is set to nearly double by 2060

Commenting on how we can help secure a sustainable future for all, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“As environmental challenges continue to mount, ICC is firmly committed to bringing business and government together to incentivize and implement the improved sustainability that is critical for people and the planet.”

Representing more than 45 million companies in over 100 countries, ICC calls on the private sector to increase its pace and ambition of action, and encourages all business—both small and large—to put sustainable consumption and production patterns at the core of their business strategies. ICC also calls for companies to communicate on their progress and share lessons they have learned along the way.

“Governments must send a strong signal to business—and to all stakeholders—that there is not only political will but coherent policy frameworks and incentives upon which business can rely,” said Majda Dabaghi, ICC Director of Green Inclusive Growth.

“By investing in research, development and deployment of transformative technologies and developing new business models, business can help to tackle our environmental challenges, and make business work for everyone, everywhere, every day.”

Read the ICC Statement on Sustainable Consumption and Production for further information and to learn how leading companies, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce are developing innovative business models and integrating sustainable consumption and production into the heart of their business operations.