This briefing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2021 progress report considers the key messages for business, the links to COVID-19 recovery, and how we can build back responsibly.

In July 2021, the United Nations published its annual report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also known as the Global Goals). The UN is clear that 2021 is the year that will decide whether the world can make the transformations needed to achieve the Global Goals by 2030.  

If ever there was a time for businesses to recognise their role as global citizens regardless of size or location, it is now. Yet the sheer scale and reach of the challenge can feel overwhelming and it is easy for businesses to think that something so wide-reaching is outside their remit or just ‘too difficult to think about, given current challenges. Business in the Community (BITC) is committed to supporting its members to understand how the Global Goals can be embedded into any organisation and how businesses can move beyond their mission statements to create real, positive change.

Key actions for business

Alongside key sector-specific requirements such as the need for greater investment in research and development (R&D), the report has other broader asks that business can and must respond to. That is not to say that business must act alone. The report makes clear, much needs to happen at a national and international level. However, a business working within the Global Goals framework and linking profit to purpose will be in a stronger position to call for government action to facilitate, finance, promote and extend initiatives that will progress the goals. Not all businesses will be able to action every item below but every business can act on at least one.

Here are the six points from the UN Progress Report that all businesses should know: 

1. Strengthen multilateralism and global partnership.
2. Invest in reversing climate change.
3. Act to create gender equality.
4. Move to responsible consumption and production.
5. Support small and medium enterprises.
6. Improve reporting.

Read The UN Global Goals Progress Report And Why It Matters to find out more.

Creating Healthy Businesses

Business in the Community (BITC) defines a responsible business as a healthy business. It is one that puts creating healthy communities and a healthy environment at the centre of its strategy to achieve long-term value. 
Healthy Businesses is at the centre of BITC’s Responsible Business Map, which guides our members on a journey of continuous improvement, working across the whole responsible business agenda.

Next step: contact Business in the Community’s Advisory Service Team

Business in the Community’s (BITC) Strategy and Purpose Advisers can support your organisation to embed responsibility at the core of your business strategy. We can enable you to become purpose-led, becoming a genuine force for positive change.

We offer a range of support from light touch advice to bespoke projects. You can also take advantage of our Responsible Business Management Training, accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).

Contact our Advisory Service Team to find out more.