What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs aim to promote sustainable development and global prosperity while also addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.

While the SDGs are broad in scope, they offer a clear framework for businesses and organisations to use when thinking about how they can operate in a more sustainable way. They cover everything from ending extreme poverty and fighting inequality and injustice to fixing climate change. 

The Sustainable Development Goals are important, world-changing objectives that will require cooperation among governments, international organisations and world leaders. It can seem like an impossible mountain to climb at times, but change has to start somewhere - look at Greta Thunberg.

This blog post will explore what the SDGs are and how businesses can start working towards achieving them.

What are the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs for short, are a collection of clear goals set out by the United Nations (UN) to achieve a more equitable and sustainable world by 2030. The 17 ambitious SDGs (see image above) are designed to reduce global challenges in three main areas: social and economic equality, environmental health, and good governance. For people living in poverty, they aim to address challenges such as access to healthcare, education and jobs; for our environment, there is a focus on reducing carbon emissions and restoring biodiversity; finally, good governance seeks to keep order at national and international levels by building resilience and promoting human rights. By striving towards these achievable goals we can exponentially increase opportunities for everyone.

What is the intention behind the SDGs?

“The seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the people,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted unanimously by 193 Heads of State and other top leaders at a summit at UN Headquarters in New York in September.

“They are a to-do list for people and planet, and a blueprint for success,” he added of the 17 goals and 169 targets to wipe out poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change over the next 15 years.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. The intention behind the SDGs is to create a more sustainable future for everyone by ending poverty and providing access to the rights and opportunities that are due to everyone on the planet. Through these ambitious goals, we can move closer to achieving peace, prosperity, and security while tackling global challenges such as climate change, inequality and poor health. Each time a goal is achieved it brings us one step closer to forming a world where no one is left behind - not just now, but for the generations that come after us. Ultimately this progress is underpinned by foundations of mutual respect and understanding that must be built between people from all backgrounds and countries. We have the opportunity now to secure a better future for everyone!

How can businesses contribute to the SDGs?

Businesses and organisations have a key role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Companies should ensure that their actions are in line with the values of sustainability and that they support their local communities and ecosystems. Additionally, businesses should strive for circularity by reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and finding new and innovative ways to use resources more efficiently. 

Businesses can also contribute to the SDGs through initiatives such as offering paid internships and apprenticeships, investing in renewable energy sources, or supporting local entrepreneurs. This provides an opportunity for businesses to be socially responsible while still being profitable – a win-win situation! Furthermore, businesses should ensure that their supply chains are ethical and transparent, while also reducing their environmental impact.

By working together, businesses and organisations can ensure that the SDGs are achieved. This will create a world of increased prosperity, peace, and security – one that is more equitable for everyone.

Why are SDGs important for business?

The SDGs are an important driver for business – both large and small – in the market today. They outline a blueprint for sustainability, equity, and equitable growth, helping to ensure businesses can operate responsibly with other nations, local communities and civil society. SDGs create opportunities for businesses to tap into new markets by offering innovative products, services or strategies that support achieving the goals. They also spur their own business innovation as they align with SDG targets. 

Furthermore, investing in sustainable development can contribute to greater economic returns while also leading to improved resilience and risk management. By making mindful choices about how your business operations align with these goals and guidelines to progress towards a better future.

How to align your business strategy to be in line with the SDGs?

To ensure that your business strategy aligns with the SDGs, you will need to be aware of how your business operates, impacts society, and look at ways to reduce negative effects on people or the environment. Start off by going through the goals one by one and assessing how your company enforces them. Then, assess which goals are the most important to your company, for example, a hand soap company could look at SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) to help bring clean water to areas and countries that don’t have any and educate them on how to maintain it alongside the importance of sanitation to reduce disease.

Generally to follow best practices laid out by the SDGs you should question most of your business decisions and ask yourself is there a more sustainable way we could do this. When sourcing materials and products, look for ethical solutions that reflect the principles of sustainability. Utilise technology solutions to optimise operations and processes so you are minimising waste while helping to sustain resources and cut down on the use of energy or water. Take into account how decisions may impact the local community and wider environment – think globally when making decisions and treat all people fairly.

By doing this you will show a commitment to integrating sustainability into everything you do, starting from a top-level approach to create an action plan with measurable goals for every stage. This way, your strategies remain aligned with the SDGs as your company grows.

By taking sustainable business development seriously, companies can ensure that they are part of a better future for all. Through the adoption of the SDGs, businesses have the opportunity to create long-term value, while also contributing to a more equitable world. This is an essential step towards creating a prosperous, safe and secure society for people from all backgrounds.

The SDGs are a set of 17 goals created by the United Nations in 2015. Every UN member state has agreed to try and achieve these goals by 2030. The intention behind the SDGs is to create a better world for everyone, regardless of nationality, race, or gender. The SDGs are important for businesses because they provide direction and guidance on how businesses can act ethically and sustainably.

In order to align your business strategy with the SDGs, you need to consider which of the 17 goals is most relevant to your business and what you can do to help achieve that goal. What is your company doing to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals? If you’d like help or advice on  your sustainable business strategy please feel free to get in touch, we would love to start a conversation.