UN calls on business to help hit 2030 agenda

 THE United Nations has called on the business community to help achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Resident coordinator and UNDP representative Roy Trivedy said the aim was to eliminate poverty, hunger and other pressing issues in the next 15 years.

Trivedy said there were opportunities for businesses to contribute to global and national development by finding effective solutions to some of the greatest challenges faced on the climate, water crisis, inequality and poverty.

He said many schools and health posts in PNG did not have access to clean water.

Almost half of the schools only has one toilet each for girls and boys.

“There are opportunities for businesses to help address these challenges that are holding back people from achieving their full potential,” he said.

“Rather than just focusing on overcoming immediate short-term challenges, companies can also use the SDGs to explore opportunities to grow.”

He said organisations were starting to view global goals as a framework “to differentiate themselves by expanding their customer bases, developing core innovations and new services, developing more strong supply chains and engaging in policy advocacy”. 

Trivedy said one of the biggest lessons learnt from the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals was that Governments alone could not achieve the goals.

“Engagement from the public as well as private sector and communities is essential.”