In a letter coordinated by UKSSD and UN Global Compact Network UK, leaders of over 160 businesses, civil society organisations and public life have called on on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to use the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a socially just and green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The letter calls on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to use the SDGs to consolidate and future proof Covid-19 recovery plans in the UK. Signatories include the leaders of Leonard Cheshire, NatWest Group, Nestle UK & Ireland, Linklaters, Good Energy, HSBC, Mott MacDonald and Unilever, and public figures such as filmmaker Richard Curtis, the Mayor of Bristol, the Chairman of the Local Government Association and Dr Mya-Rose Craig (aka Birdgirl).
The letter recommends the SDGs are used to:
Unite all sectors behind a plan to build a stronger and more resilient economy.
Prioritise the most vulnerable in our society and level-up regional and societal inequalities.
Build coherent policies for a healthy planet and to aid the transition to net zero.
Acknowledging the number of letters the PM has received calling for a green recovery and a net zero carbon future, the letter highlights that these environmental goals do not have to be in conflict with social and economic needs, and that the SDGs provide an ideal way to create co-benefits.
“The COVID crisis has shown more than ever that we must work together to secure a better future. The Global Goals are a powerful tool to help us do this. They provide a common vision and a practical blueprint for collaboration. The breadth of support for this letter demonstrates a commitment to working with the UK government to deliver healthy lives, healthy societies and a healthy planet for everyone. We can only build back better together. We hope that the Government will use the Goals to help them do this”
Richard Curtis, UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, film writer, director and co-founder of Project Everyone
The UKSSD brings organisations together to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals in the UK.
