Ten years. That is how much time we have left to achieve the “2030 Agenda” or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the greater benefit of our society.
In 2015, 193 countries came together to establish the SDGs to bring to light many of the challenges of our world and put out a call to action to citizens, businesses and entrepreneurs to offer solutions. Some goals have life or death consequences, such as dealing with climate change and ecological systems on land and sea. Some goals improve the infrastructure and close the equality gap. Yet, we believe they are all achievable with the innovativeness and perseverance of humankind.
The role of business (entrepreneurs and small business in particular) is as crucial as ever in helping us attack these urgent issues. Businesses and entrepreneurs understand the importance and opportunity around solving some of the world's challenges, but too often lack the resources and direction to provide meaningful change. Our recently released film, Igniting Impact, sheds light on 8 entrepreneurs who are using the SDGs at the core of their business and where they started. Watch the trailer here.
As we delve deeper into the solutions offered by entrepreneurs and small businesses through our film and other sources, the logical next question is: How do we measure the impact these businesses are having on the issue?
And just in time, the SDG Global Action Manager was created.
Developed by the United Nations Global Compact and B Lab, the "SDG Action Manager helps companies set clear goals on the SDGs and benchmark progress against industry standards. The tool also provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material, and resources," according to the United Nations Global Compact.
With this web-based tool, companies can track and manage their activities using the visually appealing, interactive dashboard with a 360-degree view. If you’re not sure what SDGs your company should align with, the tool also provides customized results of the right fit based on a company's profile. Companies will select the SDG(s) that have the material opportunities for impact improvement. Users can also compare their company to the industry standard, including many B Corp Certified companies.
Here are more resources to learn about this tool:
· A Primer on Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations.
· How SDGs provide a framework for impact minded businesses
As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a pact that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and implementation reporting, Vanderbilt supports the launch of SDGs Global Action Manager whole-heartedly. We conclude with a thought-provoking quote from Lise Kingo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact:
"Despite real progress being made by the business community, there is a clear recognition that action is not measuring up to the size of the challenge. The business community has an important role to play, delivering on the promise of shared, durable prosperity for all.”
Have you incorporated the SDGs into your business? Sign up here to be an early adopter of the SDGs Global Action Manager tool.
Moira Mai Do is the Digital Marketing Specialist at Vanderbilt Financial Group. She is interested in innovations in AI, Machine Learning, and Impact Entrepreneurship, especially in business/venture that propels climate actions. She holds an BA (Honors) in Strategic Communications from Temple University.