Does the private sector play a role in sustainable development?

Welche Rolle kann der Privatsektor in der Erreichung der Sustainable Development Goals spielen? Was für Chancen und Gefahren bestehen dabei für Unternehmen? Bei welchen SDGs kann der Privatsektor besonders viel zu Stande bringen?

The answer is an unquestionable yes. People often believe that it is up to only governments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but in fact, cooperation between the public and private sectors is of utmost importance. Governments alone will not be able to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Instead, the responsibility for working towards sustainable development is also shared by corporations, civil society, and many other actors that are related to economic and development activities worldwide.

The role of the private sector in achieving the SDGs and in sustainable development generally is defined by the ability of businesses and other organisations to be drivers of change. If a company decides to stop using single-use plastic, it will generate less waste and provide consumers with a sustainable choice. If a small investment firm decides to diversify its portfolio and focus on impact investment, then projects with positive impacts will have a new source of funding.

There are numerous ways in which businesses and the private sector can promote sustainable development.