8 February 2016: Global Affairs Canada and the UN Global Compact Network Canada (GCNC) convened a national roundtable event on the role of Canada’s private sector in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In advance of the meeting, GCNC published the results of a survey on the Canadian private sector and the SDGs, which finds that the SDGs “have gone relatively unnoticed” in the Canadian corporate sector. The survey suggests that practical tools and case studies will be of benefit.

The GCNC conducted the survey from October to December 2015. Companies and organizations representing 34 industries in Canada ranked: the most important issues within Canada and the world that Canadian organizations should focus on collectively; initiatives each organization is already undertaking to integrate the SDGs; and the most important SDGs for each business or organization. The report finds that: Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) was ranked as the most important issue within Canada; Goal 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) was the only goal being ranked as one of the top priorities in every category; and Goal 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts) was ranked among the top priorities in all categories.

Three SDGs ranked “in the bottom of nearly every category” for survey respondents, according to the brief: Goal 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development); Goal 15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss); and Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development). The report notes that all survey respondents indicated their interest in support related to the SDGs, mainly in aligning business goals with the SDGs, and integrating the SDGs into business models.

During the roundtable held on 8 February 2016, in Toronto, Karina Gould, Canada’s Ministry of International Development, outlined actions taken by the Government to encourage the private sector to become a “bigger partner” in development, including: connecting Canadian businesses with emerging markets; working with developing countries to strengthen governance mechanisms; setting international trade and investment rules; and promoting blended finance. Gould said Canada aims to refocus its official development assistance (ODA) on helping the poorest and most vulnerable and on supporting fragile states. She also highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder initiatives. Elissa Goldberg, Global Affairs Canada, said her department aims to raise awareness and encourage dialogues around the SDGs, identify elements for collective actions and offer financial incentives.

Panelists called for governments and the private sector “to be partners” in supporting the SDGs. Some said micro-finance can help promote gender equality, also identifying the importance of facilitating access to income and to digital and financial identity, in this regard. Others noted the need to think about innovative ways to promote the use of blended finance. David Creighton, Cordiant Capital, said companies need to integrate the SDGs into their “DNA.” He also noted the importance of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The event was co-sponsored by Unilever, Baker & Mc Kenzie, Scotia Bank, and B. Accountability.

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, GCNC has conducted webinars on the SDGs, and on how the private sector can identify the most relevant SDGs for their business (in September and November 2015 respectively), as well as an interactive session to discuss how the private sector and the Government of Canada can engage in innovative new partnerships to advance the SDGs in Canada and abroad (in December 2015). [Meeting Website] [Meeting Webcast] [The Canadian Private Sector & the Sustainable Development Goals] [IISD RS Sources]