In September 2015, the UN General Assembly will adopt a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which, as the Millennium Development Goals expire, will set global development priorities until 2030 and apply to both developing and developed countries.
As the world’s primary source of economic activity, business has a central role to play in this new global sustainable development agenda. The SDGs present a historic opportunity for business to align their strategies and activities with global priorities, producing outcomes that benefit society and the economy—and drive business success. Indeed, it is unmet economic, environmental and social needs that are propelling this new agenda, creating new market opportunities for businesses to meet these needs with sustainable products and innovative business models.
There is also significant alignment with the Australian Federal Government’s new aid policy—Australian aid: promoting prosperity, increasing stability, reducing poverty— which includes a focus on promoting economic growth and private sector development, and engaging the private sector as partners in delivering development outcomes.
This interactive, invitation only workshop will introduce and bring Australian businesses up to date with the global sustainable development agenda and the SDGs and explore why it is important for business to understand this space, consider the role of business in relation to sustainable development, and highlight how leading Australian businesses are aligning activities with global sustainable development priorities. The workshop will also explore the opportunities available for businesses to engage with this agenda domestically and internationally, such as through core business activities, value chain initiatives and community investment. Key sustainable development issues including inequality, increasing resource stress, transparency will also be discussed. The workshop will also provide an opportunity for businesses to have input into the Australian Government’s approach to the SDG negotiations.
