The shared challenges and benefits of sustainable development

We have just reached the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda, humanity's agenda. The most ambitious plan for a more resilient planet, a more prosperous economy, and a more just and peaceful society. It is an appropriate time to refocus action because, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says, "The 17 Goals are not just a list of targets. They represent the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere." This is not a symbolic list but a very significant one, and there will not be many more opportunities to move towards a better system.

It may seem that the 2030 Agenda targets are receding because, despite being halfway there, we are not halfway to achieving them. However, this is not the time to give up, but to organize and intensify our efforts.

Since its adoption in 2015, this ambitious roadmap has successfully united a wider range of actors to achieve its 17 SDGs: From governments and non-governmental organizations to engaged citizens and businesses around the world. Everyone, together and individually, has made great strides in its implementation. Important milestones such as reducing infant mortality, improving access to education or promoting gender equality.

However, we must also be aware of the magnitude of the challenges ahead and that time is short. In fact, of the 149 targets that were set to meet the SDGs, half are far from following the desired trajectory. Moreover, more than 30% of these goals have not made any progress or, worse, have regressed compared to the situation in 2015. In this regard, the fight against poverty and inequality, the preservation of natural ecosystems and the mitigation of climate change are some of the global challenges that require the most urgent action.

According to the Global Sustainable Development Report 2023, endorsed by the UN Secretary General, the achievement of the 2030 Agenda goals is in a very delicate situation. Only 15% are progressing satisfactorily. Today, more than ever, joint action by all actors is needed to accelerate in the right direction and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this joint action where we can all contribute our strength, the business sector has a lot to say. Their action, as well as their omission, are decisive in achieving – or not – a sustainable, more equitable and just future. And this is where we at the UN Global Compact Spain are involved by working with companies in our country to promote positive action, what we call business as a force for good.

Within this vision, some good news: Spanish companies that belong to the Global Compact are the ones that are most involved in specialized international programs aimed at achieving results in key areas, such as climate, gender equality or human rights. Furthermore, according to our report, Spanish companies' contribution to the 2030 Agenda, there has been a notable increase in Spanish business awareness of the 2030 Agenda in recent years, with 89% of Spanish companies taking action in this regard.

With the aim of transforming the business world, we call on companies to act from a global awareness that sustainability is good for business. With arguments that come from different points of view, but also from that of profitability. A link that we address in a new study published on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the 2030 Agenda: SDGs Year 8 Economic Profitability and the 2030 Agenda. The study recognises that, although it cannot be categorically stated that all companies will grow economically by working on sustainability, there is a consensus that working on sustainability has a positive impact on companies' economic indicators. According to the report, listed companies that have made a strong commitment to sustainability achieved 11% better results in recent years than their competitors in the stock market. Therefore, the companies that endure,  the most resilient and competitive companies are those in which sustainability is part of their backbone.