Last week, over 300 representatives from business, government, and non-governmental organizations gathered at the European Business Summit in Brussels to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals. The main focus was on the role that businesses can play in bringing about positive societal impact while at the same time generating shared value.
An Opportunity for Sustainable & Inclusive Growth
The study that was conducted on behalf of CSR Europe demonstrates that although the SDGs have already been embraced by many business leaders, middle-management remains disconnected. While progress has been made, collaborative efforts must be reinforced in order to meet the UN 2030 Agenda. The SDGs not only provide a common language for the private and public sector to communicate, they also offer Europe an opportunity to foster sustainable and inclusive growth. 
According to CSR Europe’s Director Stefan Crets, “Collaboration is fundamental to bring about the change that is needed. This is why CSR Europe recently launched the Sustainable Business Exchange, with the aim to empower companies to take action and co-create sustainable growth models”.
Implementing the SDG’s means supporting the prosperity of society, as well as ensuring the long-term viability of business. While the common denominator amongst the SDGs lies in the need for change, the opportunity to reach benefits from the SDGs rests with businesses and with their ability to go above and beyond to establish concrete multi-stakeholder partnerships and realize the goals effectively.
Getting involved in the Sustainable Business Exchange
CSR Europe will work through its network of more than 10,000 companies across Europe to promote business transformation through its Sustainable Business Exchange campaign. Companies themselves can get involved in the Sustainable Business Exchange in two different ways:
- A learning network. This will help them embrace the circular economy, rethink the value chain, foster innovative partnerships and business models, as well as sustainable consumption and production.
- An SDG Incubator. This will facilitate projects between companies, civil society and governments, to drive business contribution to the SDGs and tackle common challenges.
CSR Europe calls on all stakeholders, including the European Commission, to embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals with practical action and opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration which is needed to spark Europe’s potential.