Clean Energy offers different waste storage solutions with emissions effects 0. Nestlé engages in "Creating Shared Value" with 3 pillars: respect for water and the environment, rural development and nutrition for everyone. Human rights and environmental protection are two principles strictly applied in all Swiss Re transactions. Glencore protects the health and welfare of its employees at the Raglan mine. These were a few examples of the business contribution to UN goals for sustainable development, presented in Berne on 3 October.
In September 2015, the UN member states approved a new global development agenda (Agenda 2030) with a set of development goals to solve two of the most critical problems facing the world community: to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable development. ICC Switzerland organized a seminar in Berne. This was to show how ICC and businesses contribute to the UN Sustainable Goals a year after the approval of Agenda 2030.
Case studies have shown that Swiss companies are sparing no efforts to assume their social responsibilities. They face many challenges, such as to align their strategies with several programs at both national and international levels, and to monitor programs on site. As stated by the UN Secretary General, "There is no plan B, because there is no planet B", the panelists agreed that there is a strong need to communicate the importance of the objectives and progress of the implementation. Therefore, close cooperation, mutual support and joint learning are imperative to address multiple challenges. Switzerland is in a good position with its private and public sector, both of which are ready to implement the objectives of sustainable development in their respective areas. The need to strengthen cooperation, mutual learning between public and private sectors and with civil society was very clear at the end of the discussion.
With this seminar, the companies were able to show concretely that they already contribute to sustainable development goals in the context of their own activities, regardless of government programs. ICC is strongly committed to the process. Louise Kantrow, Ambassador of ICC to the United Nations recalled that 15 years ago, the private sector contribution to development was not recognized by governments and the UN. The context has changed through the activities and contributions of ICC and today the engagement of businesses is better understood. This leads to practical and effective solutions.
Such a successful cooperation is also envisaged in the Swiss process. Till Berger of the Federal Office for Spatial Development, stressed that a lot can be reached on the basis of the existing regulations. Here, a good co-operation between all stakeholders is essential.
With a large number of 17 goals and 169 targets, the UN agenda is very complex. ICC has developed the ICC Charter for sustainable Development for companies. Andrea Bacher, in charge of energy, environment and green economy at ICC, presented the ICC Charter and how companies can use it to implement their strategy.
ICC Switzerland continues to follow these issues as a bridge between companies in Switzerland and the World business organization.
Charter Priciples SDGs Infographic
ICC at the UN - Louise Kantrow
