SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
The SDGs can only be realized with strong global partnerships and cooperation. Official Development Assistance remained steady but below target, at US$147 billion in 2017. While humanitarian crises brought on by conflict or natural disasters continue to demand more financial resources and aid. Many countries also require Official Development Assistance to encourage growth and trade.
The world is more interconnected than ever. Improving access to technology and knowledge is an important way to share ideas and foster innovation. Coordinating policies to help developing countries manage their debt, as well as promoting investment for the least developed, is vital for sustainable growth and development.
The goals aim to enhance North-South and South-South cooperation by supporting national plans to achieve all the targets. Promoting international trade, and helping developing countries increase their exports is all part of achieving a universal rules-based and equitable trading system that is fair and open and benefits all. (UNDP, 2015)
Companies that are achieving this are:
Capitaland (SGX:C31, OTC:CLLDY)
Industry: Real estate development
Headquartered in: Singapore
1. In 2020, CapitaLand invested close to S$9 million through CapitaLand’s philanthropic arm, CapitaLand Hope Foundation, to benefit underprivileged children and vulnerable elderly
2. CapitaLand committed about S$100 million to support their stakeholders, including their retail tenants; as well as to help the governments and healthcare communities impacted by COVID-19 in the various markets where they operate
3. CapitaLand partnered with the Singapore National Environment Agency to roll out 11 reverse vending machines (RVM) at their Singapore malls since August 2020. As of 31 December 2020, these RVMs collected more than 287,000 drink containers
Danone (EPA:BN, OTC:DANOY)
Industry: Food & Staples Retailing, Beverages, Food Products
Headquartered in: France
In line with Danone's One Planet. One Health vision and to adequately respond to the challenges and opportunities of the ongoing food revolution, Danone has defined its Danone 2030 Goals which correspond to an integrated set of 9 long-term goals embedding Danone’s business, brand and trust models. While defining the 2030 Goals, Danone worked on prioritizing its contribution to the SDGs according to the direct and indirect impact that it has on the issues raised, selecting relevant SDGs targets (visit https://www.danone.com/impact/un-sustainable-developement-goals.html to view).
Danone has also worked on aligning its reporting to the 2030 Goals and associated SDGs it has selected, and published its Company Dashboard which synthesizes its 2019 performance and key highlights in relation to these two strategic frameworks.
LG Chem (KRX:051910)
Industry: Chemicals
Headquartered in: Korea
1. LG Chem established the “LG Chem Code of Conduct for Suppliers” in 2017, based on which it has been managing the partner companies ever since. 2. In connection with the sustainable development strategy LG Chem formulated in 2019, LG Chem intends to carry out more thorough checks not only on the compliance with laws in terms of working conditions, environmental safety, ethics, etc., but also on sustainability as a whole including greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy use throughout supply chains. 3. In 2021, LG Chem will launch a project to enhance the evaluation systems in which partner companies can take part, and will apply and manage a system to evaluate the sustainability of partner companies in 2022.
Accenture (NYSE:ACN)
Industry: IT Consulting & Other Services
Headquartered in: Ireland
1. Developed the WeAcT program in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India. Through the program’s online platform, female entrepreneurs can access market information and financial guidance, connect with peers and attend appropriate training to transform their business. Launched in March 2020, the program has worked with five partner organizations to support 2,800 enrollments across 11 states and one union territory. 2. Worked with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to examine the conceivable future of conversion-free food production—in other words, food production that does not degrade natural ecosystems. This analysis is key to WWF’s global effort to bring together companies in food supply chains, facilitating dialogue and action toward a more environmentally sustainable future. 3. Helping to lead the MSD for Mothers country portfolio, including a program which led to reduction of maternal death by up to 66% in one state. The program incorporated a total market approach in Nigeria’s Cross River State to better link public and private facilities. Now, more than 90% of women in the state have access to quality emergency obstetric care within two hours.