Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals

The arrival of the new industrial revolution – or Industry 4.0 – promises considerable
opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development for both manufacturers and
governments, according to a new report: Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals – seizing the opportunity in global manufacturing. Greater sustainability can help manufacturing and industrial businesses unlock trillions in growth opportunities. At the same time, governments will turn to business to help them shape and implement policy measures that advance sustainable economic growth and inclusive prosperity.

The report, developed jointly by PwC, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS), explores the relevance for manufacturing businesses of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – also called the Global Goals – and examines how global manufacturing organizations can align their strategy with SDGs. The report states that SDGs offer tremendous economic opportunities for global manufacturing players and businesses at large, if captured and applied as part of long-term and inclusive growth strategies.

Businesses cannot achieve the SDGs by themselves. But individual businesses – including global manufacturers – can help (or hinder) governments in achieving them.

Governments will also turn to business to help them achieve the SDGs, not primarily through donations or philanthropic activity, but by reviewing and seeking inputs that help shape government policies and procedures impacting businesses.

The report concludes that, for global manufacturing players, this means (a) recognizing the relevance of the SDGs to their business activities, and then (b) moving away from “business-as-usual” in the way they deliver and create products and services. Manufacturers should look closely at the targets that underpin Goals 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 in particular, as these may well be where their greatest opportunities (and their biggest contributions) lie.