New Commission Aims to Further Business Engagement on SDGs

Friday, January 22, 2016

Can another group aimed at demonstrating the role of business in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals actually make a difference?

A new commission launched Thursday at the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, is planning to prove that a new platform can indeed break down the SDGs and demonstrate that business case. And it seems it may be poised to have a real impact, not least because it’s the latest organizing effort by Unilever CEO Paul Polman, who has proven he can bring together impressive groups of actors.

Indeed, just last month Polman brought business leaders together to make commitments on climate, and while the other SDGs might not offer as clear an impact on the bottom line, he believes that more and more companies are recognizing the business case for poverty alleviation. The commission is another tool to further spread knowledge and action, he said in a press conference Thursday.

The Global Commission on Business and Sustainable Development aims to look for ways to simplify the complex development agenda, translate what it means for business and look at how to develop new business models and creative ways of financing to allow business to take advantage of the opportunities. It will do so in large part through research and convening dialogues with diverse stakeholders.

Source: Devex (link opens in a new window)

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Environment
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poverty alleviation