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:
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:
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:
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.
Since 2015, companies have slowly embraced the SDGs. A recent report in S&P Global indicates that:
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
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:
Learn more about how you can be a driver of change and get involved!