Sustainable Development Goals should be at the forefront of UK's post COVID-19 recovery
by Startacus Admin
PM called on to place Sustainable Development Goals at the forefront of UK's post COVID-19 recovery
This week UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) and UN Global Compact UK Network sent a letter to the Prime Minister on behalf of Marvin Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, equal rights campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig, sustainability leader Paul Polman, and over 100 renowned companies, charities, universities, and trade associations calling on the Government to ensure the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the heart of UK Covid-19 recovery plans. Echoing the Black Lives Matter protests across the country, the letter sends a powerful message to Number 10 emphasising the need to level-up regional and societal inequalities and states ‘we do not need to reinvent frameworks or agreements, we can instead use the global goals as the basis for a socially just and green recovery in the UK and abroad’.
Signatories to the letter include: leaders of Natwest Group, Nestle UK & Ireland, WPP, Linklaters, DLA Piper, The Body Shop, Diageo, SSE, HSBC, Standard Life Aberdeen, Scottish Power, Mott MacDonald and Unilever.
The letter asks that the SDGs be used ‘used to consolidate and future-proof [recovery] plans’ and goes on to recommend that they are used to:
1. Prioritise the most vulnerable in our society and level-up regional and societal inequalities
2. Build coherent policies for a healthy planet and to aid the transition to net zero
3. Unite all sectors behind a plan to build a stronger and more resilient economy
Alison Rose, Chief Executive of the Natwest Group said: "The coronavirus pandemic is having an enduring impact on the way we live our lives and on our economy. But it also gives us an opportunity to address deep-rooted inequality and to level-up prosperity across the UK and make sure that nobody is left behind. Doing nothing to address these issues is no longer an option.
Now is our opportunity to embrace the transition to a low carbon economy, which in turn will unlock job opportunities in all parts of the UK and put us on a path to meet our net zero commitments."
"As a business, our purpose is deliberately aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals, because they set the benchmark of a world we should all try to create for people and the planet. We are committed to championing the potential of people, families and businesses throughout the country so that the communities we serve can thrive."
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Enterprise North West and Startacus collaborate with a group of students from NWRC to create Week Gen-C, a part- employability, part-career and part-entrepreneurship focused digital project & channel
.jpeg)
Having a strong team around you is key - these basic tips highlight all the things that you'll need to consider...
Vehicle management platform, Caura raises major seed funding to support its mission of reducing stress and expense of driving in the UK
The lowdown on Peroptyx, the machine learning startup that helps companies refine their AI systems with real-world human insight and feedback
The lowdown on Greenfinity, the smart designer system that lets you grow your favourite herbs and other plants throughout the year
Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit launched by Tech Nation to help tech founders and their employees create more diverse and inclusive businesses, and provide equal opportunities for all in UK tech
Digital ID verification startup OCR Labs secures major investment to support further technology innovation and expand its operations in UK and Turkish markets
ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding to Lead the “LIVING PORTS” Project to Deploy Next-Generation Port Infrastructure
"How to Scale a Startup" event on 23rd June will allow startups to explore key business areas they'll need to consider and get right if they're to move to scaleup status.
London-based financial literacy startup Strive is on a mission to teach kids about the future of money - from cryptocurrencies to saving
Published on: 10th June 2020
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Youth Entrepreneurship, Employability and Careers Project 21st Jun 2021 Enterprise North West and Startacus collaborate with a group of students from NWRC to create Week Gen-C, a part- employability, part-career and part-entrepreneurship focused digital project & channel
- Caura raises $4.2m seed round 18th Jun 2021 Vehicle management platform, Caura raises major seed funding to support its mission of reducing stress and expense of driving in the UK
- ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding 16th Jun 2021 ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding to Lead the “LIVING PORTS” Project to Deploy Next-Generation Port Infrastructure
- Calling on all 18-30 year-olds in the UK with innovative business ideas 14th Jun 2021 Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust are seeking 18-30-year-olds with ambitious business ideas that could turn into important innovations
