Steve Kenzie, Executive Director for the UN Global Compact Network UK, opened the session saying, “The Global Goals are going to transform our world and that transformation will create opportunities for new business models to deliver new products and services into new markets. After the largest public consultation eve r undertaken, the Goals were adopted by the UK and the other 192 Members States of the United Nations in 2015. They call for economic growth, innovation, affordable energy, and upgraded infrastructure, as well as providing a path to end extreme poverty, fighting inequality, and protecting the planet.”
“Every company, every organisation and every citizen needs to understand this important global mega-trend. This roadshow helps answer the question What are the Global Goals, why should my organisation care about them, and how can we contribute to achieving the Goals and benefit form doing so.”
Around 70 delegates from business, academia, community organisations and the public sector listened, debated and discussed next actions. Whilst this session was very focused on Bristol, it was a very useful forum to explore how local communities are working together to take the SDGs forward, bringing benefits not just at a global level, but locally as well. Definitely a great deal of food-for-thought.