Celebrating United Nations Day: designing the blueprint for a more sustainable future

United Nations Day celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the UN Charter, which came into force on October 24, 1945. It serves as an instrument of international law and, therefore, all UN Member States must follow it. It affords the UN the opportunity to take action on many different issues because of its unique internal character and the powers that are contained with the wording of the Charter. Since 1945, it has served as and provided guidance for the work and mission of the UN.

Celebrating United Nations Day

Sunday, October 24th, 2021, will mark the anniversary of United Nations Day. This day is set aside for all around the globe to reflect upon its 76 years of:

• History.
• Struggle.
• Accomplishment.
• Impact the UN has had across the world.

It was first observed on October 24th, 1948. In 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that all Member States observe this day as a national holiday. People around the globe now celebrate by:

• Having concerts.
• Flying the UN flags on buildings of significance.
• Holding debates regarding the relevance of the UN’s work in modern times.
• Holding proclamations by heads of state and other leaders.

The UN and sustainability

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States. At the core of the agenda are the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which serve as an urgent call to action for countries, developed and/or developing, to join in a global partnership to address critical social and environmental problems. Among others, here are some of the key SDGs:

• No poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Affordable and clean energy
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Peace, justice and strong institution

The 17 SDGs represent common goals for all countries and stakeholders to strive for, tirelessly working towards a better tomorrow full of equity, prosperity and a cleaner environment for all. The ultimate goal is for the plan to be universally adopted through collaboration.

The effect on businesses

Since 2015, companies have slowly embraced the SDGs. A recent report in S&P Global indicates that:

• 250 of the largest global companies in 2018 mentioned SDGs in their reporting.
• By 2019, 62% of those companies had made a commitment to SDGs.

These businesses are looking to the SDGs as guidance on equity and sustainability, as it encompasses a global objective of communal and environmental betterment. Companies can look to these 17 goals to help them prioritize initiatives that align with their audience's values.

Additionally, as reported in Forbes Magazine, over 50% of companies in the US have increased their commitment to renewable energy. Why? Their customers are demanding that they prioritize sustainability as part of their business plans. People are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, and they will only show loyalty to those businesses that share the same values as they do.
 

Thus, of those surveyed, 72% of businesses are making their renewable energy initiatives known publicly. They are realizing that they can reduce resource consumption, build customer loyalty and tie energy objectives into employee goals for a multi-faceted improvement to their business model all while making a positive impact on the social and environmental aspects of their community.

“The SDGs provide [a] historic opportunity to unite all global stakeholders to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet.” United Nations, Global Compact

How can you get involved?

Net Impact programs offer ways for you and your Chapter Community to get actively involved in the UN's 17 SDGs. Through this process, in collaboration with others, you can take powerful and impactful steps in creating a more just and sustainable world:

1. The Regenerative Economy series: Participate in dialogues with experts in Social Impact and Sustainability to help build a Regenerative Economy that supports people and the planet.

• All 17 goals!

2. Net Impact Climate Ambassador Certification: Become certified as a climate ambassador.

• Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 13: Climate action

3. Future of Energy Challenge: Access a solutions and accelerator program that is focused on clean energy.

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• Goal 13: Climate action
   

4. Up to Us Competition: Receive education and resources about critical fiscal and economic issues in order to help build a sustainable fiscal future.

• Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Learn more about how you can be a driver of change and get involved!