"Better Business, Better World", January 2017

…Signs of…imperfections in today’s markets are everywhere…The resulting uncertainty makes it hard for business leaders to see the way ahead…This report offers a positive alternative: setting business strategy and transforming markets in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals…[T]he Business and Sustainable Development Commission has been researching the impact on business of achieving these 17 objectives…They provide a viable model for long-term growth, as long as businesses move towards them together…Achieving the Global Goals opens up…market opportunities in the four economic systems examined by the Commission. These are food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and well-being…To capture these opportunities…, businesses need to pursue social and environmental sustainability as avidly as they pursue market share and shareholder value…The report…is a call to action for…business leaders. It explains why they should go for growth in line with the Global Goals and how to lead that change, in their own businesses and beyond…

Company actions targeting SDGs include:
• Vodafone mobile plans enabling women in Turkey to find education & work - Goal 4 Quality Education & Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Unilever programmes on hand-washing, safe drinking water & oral health - Goal 6 Clean Water & Sanitation
• Abraaj Group plans to improve resourcing of healthcare facilities in Africa and South Asia - Goal 9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure