"Transformative Business Leader to Receive United Nations Champion of the Earth Award", 18 Sep 2015

Paul Polman has been announced as one of the winners of the UN's highest environmental accolade for leading the private sector toward sustainability, both in his role as Unilever CEO and as a tireless advocate for more sustainable business models...UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said, "With his ambitious vision and personal commitment to sustainability, Mr Polman has established a reputation for leading by example. As Unilever CEO, he is demonstrating the need for long-term corporate thinking that accounts for social and environmental concerns. In addition, his leadership on UN and other sustainability boards is directly influencing a sustainability shift in the corporate world beyond his own company...Mr. Polman said, "I'm deeply honoured to accept this award. As the United Nations prepares to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals and agree a global climate deal, it is more important than ever that businesses take active leadership to show that growth and sustainability are not in conflict..."Quite the opposite - in our experience sustainability drives growth. We have reached a tipping point for change in 2015, a once in a lifetime opportunity to end poverty and tackle climate change. But to make a real difference we need everyone on board - business, governments and NGOs. Now is the time to make this a fairer, more prosperous, more sustainable world."...