In the current complex context, characterized by growing conflicts, social polarization, and geopolitical tensions, business and human rights are at risk, and the business world is called upon to amplify its positive impact on the Sustainable Development Goals
It is more important, now than ever, with ever-decreasing time to implement the goals of the 2030 UN Agenda - to strengthen our commitment to promoting the social dimension of sustainability, so as to leave no one behind.
The action that the private sector can take - as a key player in the implementation of the SDGs - is crucial. In a historical moment in which some countries are reviewing their sustainability policies, in which a climate of backlash on issues related to D&I in companies is increasingly widespread - and in which Europe, eith the Omnibus I Package, ha approved a series of regulatory simplifications, businesses are called upon to assume a priority role in order to generate long-term value.
Indeed, through their commitment in the social dimension, companies can bring value in different areas, by:
- guaranteeing the quality of work and the well-being of employees
- contributing positively to the development of communities and territories in which they operate
- fostering active policies for different generations and engaging to reduce social and gender inequalities
- promoting positive practices of decent work and protection of human rights, with the involvement of their supply chains as well.
For this reason, the Italian Network of UN Global Compact invites the private sector to increase its ambition, first and foremost by asking the CEOs of participating companies to sign the Manifesto "Imprese per le Persone e la Società" (Businesses for People and Society) and undertake a growing commitment in terms of targets and measurement of the social impact, being aware that top management commitment is essential to ensure that the signed principles and commitments translate into tangible initiatives for achieving sustainable development.
STATEMENT, TARGETS AND POINTS OF THE MANIFESTO
The goal of the Manifesto is to spread the ambition of an increasing engagement of the private sector in the social dimension of sustainability inside the enterprise, along supply chains and in the communities, aspiring to the value chain involvement and going beyond legal obligations where possible, in order to ensure a fair and sustainable future, leaving no one behind.
The Manifesto addresses Italian business organizations participating in the UN Global Compact. At the same time, all Italian companies, even those not participating in UNGC but committed to sustainable development, can sign the Manifesto. Reporting on the issues is not required, but signing the Manifesto is closely linked to the company’s commitment to an on-going progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with specific reference to the social dimension. Non-business organizations (NGOs, academic institutions and research centres, business organizations, public entities, etc.) are not among the Manifesto beneficiaries.
Manifesto “Business for People and Society” (read-only)
For more information, please contact Stella Sigillò, Senior Programme Manager, Social Area: