Last week, the United Global Compact launched an urgent campaign "Forward Faster." Swift and ambitious action is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. As of today, only 15% of the SDGs are currently on track for 2030, while 30% have stalled or regressed.
This campaign urges individuals, organisations, and businesses to become forward thinkers and doers, recognising sustainability as the future, not just a trend. In this blog post, we'll explore the implications of the "Forward Faster" campaign for businesses and for universities.
Take Action: 5 Areas for Action
Going forward faster is necessary to address the pressing global challenges we face, seize opportunities for positive change, and uphold ethical and moral obligations to create a sustainable and equitable future. It is a call to action that emphasizes the need for urgency and ambition in our efforts to achieve the SDGs and create a better world for all.
The UN Global Compact has identified five key ambitious areas of action required, where the private can collectively make the biggest and fastest impact. These are:
- Gender Equality
- Climate Action
- Living Wage
- Finance and Investment
- Water Resilience
The people and planet of tomorrow are relying on the forward thinkers and doers of today
UN Global Compact
But what does this mean in practice?
Businesses as Catalysts for Progress
- Aligning Business Goals with the SDGs
The Forward Faster campaign challenges companies to view the SDGs as drivers of growth rather than mere reputation-building exercises. Businesses can adopt sustainable practices that align with the 17 SDGs, recognizing that positive corporate returns often result from bold action. Companies that prioritize sustainability can not only contribute to the SDGs but also enhance their resilience in the face of global challenges.
- Publicly Declaring Commitments
Accountability and transparency are essential components of moving forward faster. It is not enough to publicly declare commitments to specific SDGs and outline the actions they will take to meet these targets. Rather, concrete action is needed. Businesses need to demonstrate their dedication to responsible business practices and set clear benchmarks for progress.
- Reporting Progress to the UN Global Compact
Companies that commit to the SDG targets must report on their progress annually to the UN Global Compact. This reporting mechanism ensures accountability and transparency, creating a global framework for tracking and celebrating advancements made by companies. It also provides a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Universities as Educators and Research Partners
- Educational Shift Towards Sustainability
Universities play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of leaders and problem solvers. The Forward Faster campaign reinforces the importance of integrating sustainability into educational curricula. By promoting sustainability as a driver of growth and future success, universities can equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to SDG achievement. This shift can encompass a wide range of disciplines, from environmental science to business ethics.
- Research for Real-world Impact
Universities are hubs of research and innovation. Forward Faster highlights the need for academic institutions to prioritize research that rapidly aligns with the SDGs and addresses pressing global challenges. By collaborating with other universities, businesses, and non-governmental organisations, universities can accelerate progress toward the SDGs. This might involve interdisciplinary research projects centred around the five key areas for action.
- Fostering Forward-thinking Leaders
To meet the SDGs by 2030, universities must produce graduates who are not only well-informed but also forward-thinking and action-oriented. Encouraging entrepreneurship, social innovation, and leadership skills can empower students to drive change within their future careers and communities. One way Universities can do this is by establishing partnerships with organisations that promote SDG-aligned internships and projects, providing students with practical experience, as well as by fostering the critical thinking skills of students.