The government needs to engage more with the business sector on the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a new report by Concern Worldwide has found.
The charity has engaged with Irish businesses to drive action on SDGs, consulting with 130 participants from 60 companies and organisations from across 20 sectors during eight workshops.
Concern found that business leaders recognise the importance of progressing the SDGs, but acknowledge that sustainability often falls down the list of priorities during times of crisis.
They said demand from shareholders and employees were key drivers of action, but felt government policy was needed to both incentivise action and penalise inaction to level the playing field for businesses.
“This engagement with business leaders provides a better understanding of the private sectors ambitions and challenges in addressing the goals,” said David Regan, CEO of Concern Worldwide.
“The reports offers insight into the supports and policy changes that would help business play their part in meeting Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goals. While the whole world benefits in reaching these goals it is important to remember that those most vulnerable benefit most.”
“What is clear is that while there is an appetite for change, much needs to be done, both within the private sector and at government level to create viable, sustainable pathways for businesses,” Regan said.
The report recommends that government should deepen awareness of SDGs within the business community, and particularly among SMEs, and introduce new perspectives at SDG National Stakeholder Forums to ensure representation of those working in sustainability roles and entrepreneurs who prioritise sustainability.
It also calls on business representative bodies to drive ambition, commitment and accountability, and for government to seek updates on their actions to progress SDGs and challenge them to show that their policies align with SDGs.
The study also calls for sectoral toolkits and frameworks to be developed by the government and private sector, and for government to help business leaders understand the global impacts of the SDGs.
“Without partnership there is no chance of the SDGs being delivered because no one sector can deliver these goals alone,” said Michael Doorly, head of active citizenship at Concern..
“Governments must provide the leadership and commitment. Individuals, communities, civil society organisations and NGOs lack the means.
“Businesses and corporations, despite power, wealth and influence, still need enabling policy and regulatory environments. But together, all three — the government, businesses and civil society — are the only way the SDGs will be achieved.”
Although Ireland was instrumental in the development of the goals, the first voluntary national review of their implementation in 2018 showed that Ireland was lagging behind in many areas, ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The next voluntary national review for the UN is due next month.
“Concern provides relief and assistance to the most vulnerable in the world; those least able to respond to the damage our environmental and social behaviours currently wreak,” Regan noted.
“We witness the desperation of the very poor farmers in the Sahel where rains are continually failing and those at the foot of the Himalayas whose lands are being lost through floods and sea levels rising.”
Photo: David Regan. (Pic: Gavin Douglas/Concern Worldwide)
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