The Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, Judy Njino has challenged the private sector to accelerate their efforts at the necessary pace and magnitude to realise the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.
Ms Njino pointed out the vital role the private sector plays in the achievement of SDGs, arguing that with its substantial market presence, financial capabilities, and operational resources, the private sector possesses the means to drive large-scale initiatives aimed at addressing the global challenges posed by these goals.
She stressed the need for transformative actions in critical sectors such as food systems, energy accessibility and affordability, digital connectivity, education, employment, social protection, climate change, biodiversity preservation, and pollution control.
Such actions have the potential to create a catalytic and amplifying effect, impacting the entire spectrum of SDGs.
The occasion also marked the welcome of Sanlam Kenya PLC into the UN Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative dedicated to companies committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles covering human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption.
Reflecting on the current progress, Ms Njino pointed out that, at the halfway mark, only 15 percent of all SDGs are on track. Therefore, she urged all stakeholders to elevate their ambitions as they race against the clock to meet the deadline.
Sanlam, a diversified financial services group in Kenya, now stands with over 23,000 leading companies across 162 countries that have aligned their business strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
Additionally, Sanlam is a valuable addition to the Kenya Network, the largest network in Africa and the Middle East, boasting over 300 signatories to the UN Global Compact and more than 800 others dedicated to adhering to its local Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya.
Patrick Tumbo, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Kenya, highlighted their strong commitment to sustainability.
He highlighted the firm’s recent publication of the first Integrated Sustainability report for 2022, underscoring the group’s commitment to conducting business responsibly with a long-term perspective.
Sanlam Kenya places particular emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, continuously implementing measures that contribute positively to the SDGs.
Dr Tumbo said sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement.
“Joining the UN Global Compact reaffirms Sanlam Kenya’s dedication to advancing sustainable business practices through partnerships that promote financial inclusion, working towards the common purpose and future of achieving the SDG goals,” he said.
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