SDG STOCKTAKE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Based on a combination of innovative data sources, this report measures the global private sector’s impact on the SDGs for the first time. Strong positive contributions to economic growth and job creation are countered by powerful detriments to climate, nature, water, and waste – exacerbating net negative impacts on global health, poverty, and hunger. At the midpoint between 2015 and 2030, 85% of all SDG indicators are off track and none of the SDGs are on track for achievement by 2030, according to the 2023 Sustainable Development Report. The United Nations Global Compact-Accenture Private Sector SDG Stocktake report examines the impact of the private sector on the SDGs thus far, and how they can accelerate action moving forward. The first part of the report provides a detailed look into the private sector’s contribution across all 17 SDGs. By combining new measures of SDG impact analysis with ESG reporting, earnings call transcript analysis, economic impact assessments, and a survey of over 2,800 business leaders, this report produces a comprehensive look into how the private sector has contributed to the SDGs so far. The second half of the report outlines a blueprint for action looking ahead to 2030. Building on the United Nations Global Compact Forward Faster priorities, the report presents a practical framework for business leaders to create an outsized impact. The report concludes by exploring business attitudes to a collection of important public policy interventions that could accelerate SDG action. 10 Analyzing SDG impact data uncovers that the private sector’s greatest contribution to the SDGs has been through creating employment opportunities and advancing economic growth. However, this growth has come at a cost, namely to the environment. Negative environmental factors are also further driving social disruption in poverty, hunger, health care, and global peace. This report finds that business leaders’ attention on the SDGs has fallen in recent years. Furthermore, confidence in the viability of achieving the SDGs is waning. While nearly all (94%) business leaders believe in the vision of the SDGs, only half (49%) of them believe that the world will achieve the SDGs by 2030. The private sector needs to step up. While the majority (81%) of business leaders believe their businesses are doing enough to contribute to the SDGs, fewer (62%) feel that their industry is doing enough, and only half (48%) state that the private sector is doing enough. Furthermore, almost half (44%) of business leaders look to governments as the key stakeholder they would like to engage more when it comes to SDG action.

source :

https://globalcompact.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/UNGC_SDG_Stocktake_Report_2023.pdf