Progressive corporate strategies and effective partnerships with business in the furtherance of regional development are increasingly and systematically correlated today with the concept of sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals until 2030 (Agenda 2030).
A business community of leaders – companies committed to the values of sustainable development – has formed in Russia. The concepts of impact (both positive and negative), ESG (environment, social, governance), responsible financing and investment, and a responsible supply chain have appeared in daily use of such a business. Many successful companies, in order to maintain their success in the future, have launched a systematic review of procedures, principles, technologies and standards, taking into account sustainability values – issues of production, sales and supplies, investors attraction and investments, corporate communications and sustainable development management systems, respect for human rights, labor relations and anti-corruption, innovative sustainable business models and external evaluations of outcomes.
The trend has also an impact on small and medium-sized businesses, growing rapidly at the startup level. Among the most promising business ideas today are solutions in the field of reducing carbon intensity, recycling plastic and other materials, circular and sharing economy, sustainable development of regions, inclusion, gender equality, food security, education, equal access, etc. Such projects are needed by business, government, economy and society as a whole.
Among the most promising business ideas today are solutions relating to reducing carbon intensity, recycling plastic and other materials, circular and sharing economy, sustainable development of regions, inclusion, gender equality, food security, education, equal access, etc. Such projects are needed by business, government, economy and society as a whole. The new business mission also defines new approaches to partnerships at the regional and territorial levels. Social and environmental business investments, the concept of corporate philanthropy and corporate volunteering, traditionally focused on solving local problems and problems of territorial development, are undergoing changes and moving to a new level.
It implies a comprehensive transition from one-time effects and actions to long-term programs that are developed and implemented with respect to the principles and values of sustainable development, promote advanced development, are designed to stimulate entrepreneurial and civic activity and informed volunteering, as well as long-term systemic changes in inter-related social, environmental and economic areas.
Why is this relevant and important for both business and regions, how does it affect not only corporate reputation, but also economic results, profitability and growth, how exactly successful social and environmental programs are modeled and implemented in the interests of sustainable development of regions, in the format a lively discussion will be discussed by the participants of the thematic session of the national network of the UN Global Compact in Russia.
Participants of the thematic session of the UN Global Compact Network Russia will discuss in person why these issues are relevant and important both for business and for regions, how they affect not only corporate reputation, but also economic results, profitability and growth, how successful social and environmental programs are modeled and implemented in the furtherance of sustainable development of regions.
Key topics:
- Sustainable development of territories in partnership with the private sector. International standards and recommendations.
- New social and environmental business investments in the furtherance of sustainable development of regions.
- Special features of regional business partnerships in the context of the SDGs. Best practices and approaches.
- Business and human rights, inclusion, diversity and gender balance in social and commercial business strategies. Why is it beneficial?
- Corporate philanthropy and corporate volunteering for the SDGs. Modern interpretations and practices.
Besides, an agreement on the establishment of Tomsk regional representative office of
the National Council for Corporate Volunteering, a partner of the UN Global Compact Network Russia, will be signed within the session.
