In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) published “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (The 2030 Agenda).. The 2030 Agenda demonstrates a global framework for tackling poverty, ensuring peace and prosperity for all people and shifting the global economy onto a sustainable path.  The Agenda comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets, supported by 193 nations, which aims to achieve sustainability in various sectors encompassing climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice and so forth. The SDGs form an inclusive agenda, in which they tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make a positive change for both people and planet [1]. 

In order to implement the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, world leaders should act in collaborative partnership to improve the lives and future prospects of mankind. The 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, The 17 SDGs demonstrate the scale and ambition of this universal agenda. The SDGs work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices to improve life in a sustainable way for future generations. They illustrate clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and global environmental challenges [2]. 

SDGs may seem far to SMEs in Hong Kong, but they account for more than 98% of total business units. SMEs also provide job opportunities to up 1.3 million persons, which contributes to about 45% of the total employment (excluding civil service) [3]. Hence, SMEs can influence sustainable development. Below are the some classic examples of how SDGs have been incorporated into SME’s operation and have positively influenced the society.

[1] http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html

[2]  https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld

[3] https://www.success.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/sme/service_detail_6863.html 

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls and their empowerment topped the list to social and economic development.

However, social and economic fallout in recent years has slowed down and made the situation even bleaker. With insufficient budgeting, poor health services, disadvantages in education and etc, women has been treated unequally and be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership, especially in the developing countries.

Advancing gender equality has become a critical issue to address as it affects all areas of a healthy society, from reducing poverty to promoting the health, education, protection and the well-being of girls and boys. Businesses shall continue to develop policies and practices to advance women’s empowerment within workplaces and communities, thus mainstreaming gender equality into all areas of corporate sustainability.

Source: 

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/5_Why-It-Matters-2020.pdf

Ensuring access to clean and affordable energy is key to the development of agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare and transportation. By 2030, it is targeted that the share of renewable energy and the overall energy efficiency to be increased continuously.

A well-established energy system supports the economy of a country, it is encouraging to see that energy accessibility in poorer countries has been accelerating to enhance people’s life. However, the rapid use of electricity across the globe has produced large amount of greenhouse gases which cause climate change and have harmful impacts on people’s well-being and the environment.

Affordable and clean energy is essential to a society’s development. Cooperation is much needed to accelerate the transition to an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system in the future. Business shall invest more in renewable energy resources, prioritise energy efficient practices and adopt clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Source: 

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7_Why-It-Matters-2020.pdf

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/

Over the last 20 years, cross-sector collaboration, especially working together with business, has increased significantly. This interconnected global economy requires collaboration among countries to ensure all can address compounding and parallel health, economic and environmental crises and recover better.  

Strengthening multilateralism and global partnerships allow business companies to get access to expertise, knowledge or finance. Partnerships allow partners to take on new perspectives to develop innovative sustainable business approaches so as to enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms and coordination among countries.  

Sufficient time and resources are needed to achieve common goals for building partnerships. This is essential for business to be transparent about their success and difficulties so that others can learn from the experience to build up capacities. Currently with the COVID-19 pandemic, strong international cooperation is much needed to ensure countries have the means to recover and to improve its’ physical, social, environmental and economic condition to create a more resilient community.  

Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/globalpartnerships/

All 17 sustainable development goals are: 

Goal 1 - No Poverty 

Goal 2 - Zero Hunger

Goal 3 - Good Health And Well-being

Goal 4 - Quality Education

Goal 5 - Gender Equality 

Goal 6 - Clean Water And Sanitation

Goal 7 - Affordable And Clean Energy 

Goal 8 - Decent Work And Economic Growth

Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure

Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities 

Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities And Communities

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption And Production 

Goal 13 - Climate Action 

Goal 14 - Life Below Water 

Goal 15 - Life On Land 

Goal 16 - Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions

Goal 17 - Partnerships For The Goals