New Report | Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals: Seizing the Opportunity in Global Manufacturing | by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, 2017

Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals: Seizing the Opportunity in Global Manufacturing

by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, 2017.

Executive Summary

This white paper, developed jointly by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, sets out the business imperative for manufacturing businesses of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why global manufacturing organisations must align their strategy with the SDGs. 

Of course businesses cannot achieve the SDGs by themselves. That is not their role. That is the role of government. But individual businesses – including global manufacturers - can help (or hinder) governments in achieving them. 

Governments will also turn to business to help them achieve the SDGs, not primarily through donations or philanthropic activity (although that will help too), but by reviewing and seeking inputs that help shape government policies and procedures impacting businesses. 

For global manufacturing players, this means (a) recognising the relevance of the SDGs to their business activities, and then (b) moving away from "business-as-usual" in the way they deliver and create products and services. 

Manufacturers should look closely at the targets that underpin SDG goals 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 in particular, as these may well be where their greatest opportunities (and their biggest contribution) lie. UNIDO, which focuses particularly on SDG 9, believes that the structural shift toward more innovation and technology-oriented industrial activities will significantly change the nature of competition, redefine work and redraw traditional industrial boundaries. As such, the arrival of the new industrial revolution promises considerable opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development for manufacturers as they align their business models with the achievement of the SDGs.

The recent 'Better Business, Better World' report revealed that pursuing sustainable and inclusive business models could unlock economic opportunities worth at least US$12 trillion a year by 2030 and generate up to 380 million jobs, mostly in developing countries. But the total economic prize from implementing the Global Goals could be two to three times larger still, assuming that the benefits are captured across the whole economy and accompanied by much higher labour and resource productivity.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Foreword - Introducing the SDGs - Driving Sustainable Change

1. The SDGs - the Role of Governments | Governments around the world are getting serious about the SDGs | CEOs recognise the significance of a government agenda | Forging partnerships for the SDGs – a government perspective | So how is the United Arab Emirates government approaching the SDGs? | Where business can partner with governments on the SDGs

2. The SDGs – the Role of Business | No more business-as-usual – why the SDGs matter for business | The 17 SDGs, and the 169 targets that underpin them, are a blueprint | Outlining the opportunities - the SDGs as competitive advantage | Citizens worldwide believe that business is about profit…and more besides | Making the SDGs relevant for leaders and for other corporate functions.

3. The SDGs – Opportunities for Global Manufacturing Businesses | The manufacturing industry worldwide | Manufacturing and the SDGs | Which SDGs matter most for manufacturers? | Connecting the SDGs | So what are the biggest SDG-related opportunities for manufacturers?

4. Conclusions | Aligning with the SDGs is a major opportunity for both manufacturers and governments

Annex A – achieving key targets for SDGs 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13

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