23 May 2017: To help stakeholders contribute to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, the European Business Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Europe) has undertaken a number of initiatives, joined partnerships, published reports and convened a conference on the SDGs in Europe. CSR Europe is a business network of over 10,000 companies, providing a platform for businesses aiming to enhance sustainable growth.

By a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), CSR Europe and the UN Global Compact intend to collaborate on engaging multi-stakeholder networks at the national level. The MoU also outlines: advancing learning networks and opportunities for business practitioners to advance sustainability practices toward achieving the SDGs; developing projects with greater practical impact; and supporting smart policy measures to advance a “level playing field.”

Also on learning networks, CSR Europe launched the Sustainable Business Exchange, which is a learning network to help companies embrace the circular economy, rethink the value chain, foster innovative partnerships and business models, and encourage sustainable consumption and production (SCP). It also launched an ‘SDG Incubator’ to facilitate pilot projects between companies, civil society and governments.

The benefits of sustainable business and the growth opportunities presented by the SDGs were highlighted at a conference hosted by CSR Europe, on ‘The Sustainable Development Goals: The Value for Europe.’ Proceedings also highlighted: how businesses can contribute to the SDGs through new business models, technologies, innovation and education; policy and business trends regarding the SDGs; and a networking platform for European practitioners, policymakers and experts. The Conference took place during the European Business Summit, which convened in Brussels, Belgium, from 22-23 May 2017.

While many business leaders have embraced the SDGs, middle management has not, according to the study.

In tandem with the Conference, CSR Europe released a study showing the economic potential of the SDGs for Europe. The study, conducted by Frost & Sullivan and GlobeScan on behalf of CSR Europe, concludes that while many business leaders have embraced the SDGs, middle management has not, and remains “disconnected from the SDG narrative.” The study underscores that the SDGs offer Europe an opportunity to foster “sustainable and inclusive growth,” which is the subject of SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).

Ten member companies of CSR Europe are ranked in a gender equality report by Equileap, which is the first cross-sector ranking that illustrates how the world’s biggest public companies perform on gender equality. The ranking determines commitment to: gender balance in leadership position and the workforce; equal compensation and work/life balance; policies that promote gender equality; and women’s empowerment. The report explains that gender diversity leads to higher financial returns and reduced risk. Of the CSR Europe member companies, L’Oréal was ranked first in gender equality. [MoU with UN Global Compact] [Press Release on Study] [Conference on ‘The SDGs: The Value for Europe] [Study on ‘The SDGs: The Value for Europe’] [Press Release on Gender Equality Ranking of Companies] [Gender Equality Global Report and Ranking]