Firms must play part in sustainability push

Firms must play part in sustainability push

Local businesses were urged to play their roles in meeting sustainable development goals (SDGs) to promote a more inclusive, sustainable and equal global economy by 2030, a conference heard yesterday.

The conference "Meet to meet the SDG" was co-organised by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), under the umbrella of the UN Global Compact Network Viet Nam, as an initiative for all interested stakeholders to share experiences, ideas and support to achieve sustainable goals.

Seen as a call for innovation, reform and inclusion, the Agenda 2030 saw businesses as the key driver to achieving SDGs, with responsibilities and opportunities for the private sector of critical importance.

Speaking at the conference, Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, said that SDGs are particularly suited to complex issues faced by middle income countries like Viet Nam.

In order to meet SDGs, the Government, businesses and civil society must all participate, Pratibha said.

"The role of businesses will be central in achieving SDGs. Businesses have the power lead change for social good. And businesses can innovate for inclusive and equitable societies."

There should be no inherent conflict between economic, social and environmental impacts with SDGs, Pratibha said.

According to Nguyen Quang Vinh, deputy general secretary of VCCI, making SDGs come true is not only a duty, but also a great opportunity for businesses.

Vinh said that VCCI with its Office for Sustainable Development for Business will provide the private sector with guidance, networking, know-how, and recognition to make SDGs succeed for all businesses in Viet Nam.

Florian Beranek, UNIDO's lead expert on societal responsibility, said that meeting SDGs will depend on inspired, creative and successful entrepreneurs.

Economic expert Pham Chi Lan said at yesterday's conference that meeting SDGs is critical for Viet Nam to achieve the aspirations of "Viet Nam 2035: Towards Prosperity, Innovation, Equity, and Democracy" – the report launched last month by the World Bank and the Government of Viet Nam. The government, businesses and society will all benefit from meeting SDGs.

Lan said that Viet Nam must speed up institutional reforms, improve the business climate, and renovate the growth model from extensive to intensive.

In addition, businesses must strive to enhance competitiveness and to improve productivity and efficiency to compete amid rapid global integration.

bizhub