From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27, the United Nations ratified new global sustainability goals at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals, and their corresponding plans were first discussed back in September 2012 at the UN’s RIO+20 conference. Also known as the UN’s Post-2015 goals, these goals have been set for the next 15 years. As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s Declaration members of the UN resolved to, between now and 2030:
“… end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies; to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. We resolve also to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all, taking into account different levels of national development and capacities.”
The SDGs call for corporations to integrate these goals as part of their business plans.
There are 17 goals in total, including “end poverty in all its forms everywhere, end hunger [and] achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls…and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.”
Organizations around the world are encouraged to include these goals as part of their business plans, but many businesses have argued that the task seems daunting. According to the UN Global Compact website, dedicated to informing and recruiting corporations and non-businesses to get involved with the SDGs, about 8000 businesses have already signed on to the task. Though many have already signed up, the challenge to actually incorporate these goals into their business model remains. However, many businesses have recognized that the SDGs present an opportunity, as the 17 goals include economic development as well as technological advancement to drive industry growth. The UN’s 17 goals include improving the state of both developed and undeveloped countries.
Pearson PLC, a multinational education company located in London, England, has recently integrated the SDGs into their business model, showing the world how organizations can actively involve the SDGs in their decision-making processes. The company strongly supports the SDGs, and is currently demonstrating its effects through its investment in finding ways to provide education for youth forced out of their homes.