How the business sector can contribute to the ODS

Companies can and should implement the UN goals and find ways to contribute to the 2030 agenda from the "heart" of their business.

Pablo H. Plá, CEO San Miguel

Published on July 25th, 2023 in Infobae

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. They are 17 goals, 169 Targets and 232 Indicators that were approved in 2015 by the 193 Member States of the United Nations (UN) and are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.

Implementing the SDGs - whether in a nation or a company - requires numerous transformations that encourage us to act on three pillars: people, planet and prosperity. In this way, they work towards a holistic, indivisible vision and renewed international collaboration. Together, they build a vision of the future we want.

From the citrus sector and especially from San Miguel, we work -both in the operation and in the exchange with the communities- committed to the SDGs because we firmly believe that the path to achieve them must be built with the contribution of the entire community.

Implementing the SDGs - of a nation or company - requires numerous transformations that encourage us to act on three pillars: people, planet and prosperity.

We contribute to the SDGs through what we do best: feeding the world, caring for our employees and the environment, promoting responsible practices throughout the value chain, and promoting the development of the communities of which we are a part.

The citrus sector can carry out policies that work to meet the following SDGs that are considered a priority:

– SDG 2 Zero Hunger. It focuses on ensuring access for all people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable - including infants - to nutritious, healthy and sufficient food, putting an end to all forms of malnutrition.

– SDG 3 Health and well-being. This goal seeks to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages" and according to the United Nations is fundamental to achieving the 2030 goals as it ensures the building of prosperous societies. However, when considering the inequalities that still persist in access to healthcare globally, this is one of the most challenging goals. Today, the gap between the countries with the longest life expectancy and those with the shortest represents a discrepancy of 31 years. This is why efforts must be redoubled to achieve positive impacts that are real drivers of change.

The objective of SDG 12 is to change the current model of production and consumption to achieve efficient management of natural resources.

– SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth. By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and ensure decent work for all women and men, including youth and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

– SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. This SDG aims to change the current pattern of production and consumption to achieve efficient management of natural resources, putting in place processes to prevent food loss, environmentally friendly use of chemicals and reduce waste generation.

– SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Pursuing policies to sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Companies can and should implement the SDGs and find ways to contribute to the 2030 agenda from the "heart" of their business, through responsible economic practices, maintaining an integral link with their stakeholders and making their economic, social and environmental performance transparent through indicators.