What is it?
A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly for the year 2030.
How does it work?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) refer to a set of 17 global objectives designed by the United Nations General Assembly. These goals, expected to be achieved by the year 2030, are a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
When is it useful?
The SDGs are applied in a practical business context by guiding corporate sustainability initiatives and social responsibility strategies. Companies worldwide leverage these goals to align their operations with global priorities, thus contributing to the betterment of the world while also enhancing their corporate reputation. The SDGs cover a broad range of social and economic development issues including poverty, health, education, climate change, gender equality, and social justice.
Real-World Impact
A notable example of the SDGs application in the business world is Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company. Unilever has integrated the SDGs into its core business strategy, with a commitment to improve health and wellbeing for 1 billion people (SDG 3), reduce environmental impact by half (SDG 12,13,14,15), and enhance livelihoods for millions (SDG 8) as part of its Sustainable Living Plan.
How to Get Started
Understanding and implementing the SDGs can significantly enrich the business operations using Empress’s suite of tools and services. Empress supports businesses in tracking and managing their sustainability performance, which directly aligns with several SDGs. By integrating these global goals into business strategies, companies can not only achieve sustainable growth but also contribute to global development agendas.
Get the Empress Edge
Adopting the SDGs can offer businesses numerous benefits beyond just contributing to global development. They present significant opportunities to drive innovation, build brand reputation, attract top talent, and open new market opportunities. According to a report by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, achieving the SDGs could unlock $12 trillion in business savings and revenue by 2030.