Statement by UN Global Compact Finland Participant Companies at the UN General Assembly (UNGA78)
Finnish UN Global Compact member companies are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the principles for responsible business set by the UN Global Compact. On Sunday 17 September, the companies presented a statement to the Finnish Government during the UN General Assembly Week in New York.
In the statement, companies hope and request the Finnish Government to continue to take a proactive role and demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainability alongside businesses. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda must not fail. The statement was received on behalf of the Government by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio. Read the statement here.
We are halfway through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. On this journey, the world and the Sustainable Development Goals have encountered and continue to face unprecedented challenges. We – Finnish companies participating in the UN Global Compact – believe that in this challenging situation, bold steps towards a more sustainable future should be taken across all sectors. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework demand swift and ambitious efforts from society as a whole.
Responsible business is essential for the competitiveness, growth opportunities, and consequently, the future existence of Finnish companies. We are committed to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our business operations and adhering to the principles of responsible business set by the United Nations Global Compact. We are implementing ambitious actions in the areas of the environment, climate, biodiversity, social responsibility, as well as good governance. We have set goals and taken concrete actions towards Science-Based Climate Targets (SDG 13), Clean Energy (SDG 7), Circular Economy (SDG 12), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Equal Pay for Equal Work (SDG 5), to name a few.
Finland is recognized internationally for its leadership in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its ambitious climate goals. Finland also has an excellent reputation among UN actors.
We, as businesses, are doing our part in our respective sectors, but it is crucial for the Government to lead and collaborate with businesses and other stakeholders in advancing sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda requires collective action and the participation of the entire society. As representatives of the Finnish business community, we hope and request the Finnish Government to continue to take a proactive role and demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainability alongside businesses.
Business investments in the sustainability transition require predictable government policies and long-term perspectives for the coming decades. We hope that the Government will support companies on their journey towards sustainability. The availability of sustainable financing and swift permitting processes are crucial in supporting this transition. Additionally, we hope that ecological and social sustainability will be better considered in public procurement, benefiting not only society but also companies committed to sustainability. Finland must be at the forefront of promoting a sustainable and equitable future to attract future talents. We need more skilled individuals to implement a green and just transition in all areas.
The 2030 Agenda has been an important compass and framework for us, providing a common international language and content for promoting sustainable development. It has served as an inspirational source for developing responsible business practices. The 2030 Agenda is an agenda of hope, also for us companies. Its implementation must not fail.
UN Global Compact Finland Participant Companies at the UN General Assembly week (UNGA78):
Fortum Oyj, Posti Group Oyj, Tradeka, VTT Oy, S-Group, Fiskars Group, Kesko Oyj, Alko Oy, Ylva