UN Global Compact Network South Africa

Dr. Achieng Ojwang joined Andile Khumalo on a Fireside Chat at the Launch of the Sanlam ESG Barometer. Dr Ojwang informed the audience that globally and on aggregate, the world is not on track and so far have only met 17% of the Goals, according to the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report. In South Africa and through the 2024 Private Sector Voluntary National Review on the SDGs, companies are prioritising specific SDGs in the following order: Decent Work & Economic Growth (Goal 8); Climate Action (Goal 13); & Partnerships (Goal 17). As Climate action becomes more of a priority for companies, the VNR report shows a deprioritisation of Innovation (Goal 9), even though it is then considered as the greatest area of opportunity. Dr Ojwang urged companies to collaborate more on the SDGs and for Africa to show up at global platforms where some decisions that economically affect our countries are made. The plethora of EU Regulations expressed in CBAM and CSRD are some examples and an opportunity for the AU to engage! Acknowledging that there is more funding for Climate, Dr Ojwang suggested that Africa looks more inward at domestic funding for Social needs saying, “we need to find our own solutions to social priorities as no one is coming to save us”. Access the Sanlam #ESGBarometer here: https://lnkd.in/gFzQf4kC

The Accelerator program, now reaching over 90 countries and 2,000+ companies, empowers UN Global Compact participants to develop innovative business strategies for significant positive impact on the SDGs. Through the Global Compact Country Networks, companies can assess performance, identify risks, discover opportunities across business functions, and take ambitious action towards the SDGs. Sign up now and unlock your company’s potential to create sustainable change:

We’re delighted to present the 2024 SDG Pioneer, Dr. Sydwell Shikweni! Sydwell is a skilled transformational leader with a distinguished career focused on driving impactful social and economic transformation initiatives. In his role as Vice President of Transformation at Merchants MEA, he leads on sustainability strategies and skills development, spearheading the Merchants Academy. He's an engaged member of Business Process Enabling South Africa, championing transformation within the global business services sector. As a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors SA and holder of a PhD in Leadership from the University of Johannesburg, as well as an MBA from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership, Sydwell is committed to giving back through mentorship, talent development, and faculty membership at local higher education institutions. Congratulations, Dr. Sydwell Shikweni, for being named the 2024 SDG Pioneer!

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 reveals positive developments in areas like child mortality, HIV prevention, and energy and mobile broadband access. However, significant challenges persist in our efforts to achieve the SDGs. To stay informed on our global progress, download the latest report: Together, we can continue to make strides towards a more sustainable future

We all start with a big imagination, but somewhere along the way, we lose sight of its power. 💫 Now, more than ever, we must imagine a better world. Global emissions continue to rise at alarming rates. However, there is still hope. The Forward Faster program enables businesses to transform and build resilience, increasing positive impact on the SDGs. Together, we can create a healthy and sustainable world, where businesses thrive. Learn how you can be part of this revolution:

Day one of our SDG Innovation Accelerator Program for young professionals kicked off with a focus on prototyping and impact management. After a day of insights and workshops, innovators concluded by developing pathways to successfully deploy their solutions. Discover more about how your company can benefit with the SDG Innovation Accelerator programme here: https://lnkd.in/gjFbnYVU

Imagine a world where businesses adopt ambitious strategies to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. The SDG Ambition Accelerator is here to empower UN Global Compact companies with the tools and expertise to significantly increase their positive impact on the Sustainable Development Goals Join the movement and unleash your company’s potential to make a lasting, positive impact on our world: https://lnkd.in/dY7Qpiy

Be the leader the world needs True leadership demands anticipating and meeting the needs of the future, not yesterday's. To achieve the SDGs by 2030, we need ambitious and credible corporate action in key areas. Join the trailblazing businesses setting the pace. Watch the film and accelerate your involvement in driving progress towards the SDGs: https://lnkd.in/gc5hTN5b

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital for sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty, but they often face challenges when integrating sustainability into their businesses.  Sign up for #SPARK, and see how your business can address Scope 3 emissions and reporting requirements, and seize opportunities in the green and blue economies. If you're an SME leader looking to advance your sustainability journey, this program is for you: https://lnkd.in/gKrbpf58

Despite remarkable strides made in promoting gender equality, the pay gap persists, with women earning significantly less than men for the same work. Additionally, businesses owned by women receive significantly less funding globally than their male-owned counterparts. Forward faster guides companies in how they can make the biggest, fastest impact before 2030. Join the movement and learn how your business can contribute to building a better, more sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/gc5hTN5b