With just 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets on track, it seems to be a distant dream to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, in the remaining six years. According to the United Nations report, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the SDGs.
The report highlights that without massive investment and scaled-up action, the achievement of the SDGs— the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive.
What can individual businesses do to support the sustainability ambition?
Azmat Habibulla- Managing Director & Head – Group Strategic Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India, emphasises that businesses need to adopt a proactive approach to sustainability, actively promoting sustainable development and contributing to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This includes minimising their environmental impact, collaborating with local communities to address social challenges, and advancing inclusion. Establishing clear metrics and ensuring transparent reporting are crucial for building greater accountability and trust with stakeholders.”
At DBS Bank India says Azmat Habibulla that sustainability strategy is guided by three pillars: responsible banking, which encompasses efforts to help clients transition to lower-carbon business models and enhance access to essential financial services; responsible business practices, which include initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and focus on sustainable procurement; and impact beyond banking, spanning key programmes to uplift vulnerable communities, support purpose-driven businesses for scaling their impact, and encourage employee volunteerism through our “People of Purpose” program.
Anu Chaudhary, Partner and Global Head of ESG Practice, Uniqus Consultech, believes that to ensure a sustainable future; businesses must go beyond mere latent adjustments and prioritise transformative changes. “This entails embracing continuous digital innovation to enhance resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and modernise operations focusing on long-term sustainability. She reinforces that it is crucial to revisit and redesign supply chains by incorporating sustainable materials, adopting circular economy principles, implementing green logistics, and ensuring eco-friendly practices throughout production and distribution processes to reduce environmental footprint significantly. “Conserving water, upgrading wastewater treatment, and training in green skills are vital measures for operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. Collaboration across sectors and partnerships can amplify the impact of these initiatives and position businesses as leaders toward a resilient and sustainable future,” she notes.
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