The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) represent a bold and universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Adopted in September 2015 by all 193 UN member states as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs comprise 17 interconnected goals that address the world’s most pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges.
These goals are designed to be inclusive, leaving no one behind. From eradicating hunger and promoting quality education to tackling climate change and ensuring clean water and sanitation, the SDGs provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity — for people and the planet, now and into the future.
More than just a framework for governments, the SDGs invite active participation from businesses, civil society, academia, and individuals. Achieving these goals requires collective commitment, innovation, and sustained effort at all levels of society.
By aligning policies, practices, and purpose with the SDGs, we not only work towards a better world but also create opportunities for inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are a set of internationally recognized, government-backed recommendations that promote responsible business conduct across global operations. First adopted in 1976 and regularly updated—most recently in 2023—these guidelines are issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and endorsed by its member countries and several non-member adherents.
They offer voluntary principles and standards for businesses in areas such as:
The guidelines aim to foster trust, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that business operations contribute positively to economic, environmental, and social progress. Though not legally binding, they are supported by a unique implementation mechanism: the National Contact Points (NCPs), which assist with guidance and handle complaints regarding non-compliance.
In an era where ethical business practices and sustainability are key to long-term success, the OECD Guidelines serve as a valuable framework for multinational enterprises to align with international expectations and uphold corporate responsibility.
The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, launched in the year 2000 to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It serves as a voluntary framework for companies to align their strategies and operations with Ten Universal Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
With thousands of participants from over 160 countries, the UN Global Compact fosters a global movement of companies committed to responsible business practices that not only drive performance but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
At the heart of the initiative lies the mission to:By joining the UN Global Compact, organizations publicly commit to making sustainability a core part of their corporate identity and operational culture—transforming business into a force for good.
This initiative is not just about compliance, but about leadership and innovation, helping companies become resilient, future-ready, and socially impactful in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Equator Principles (EPs) are a globally recognized risk management framework adopted by financial institutions to assess and manage environmental and social risks in project finance. Launched in 2003, the Equator Principles aim to ensure that large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects are developed in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.
Rooted in the standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank, the EPs provide a common baseline for evaluating risks associated with projects in sectors such as energy, mining, transport, and manufacturing. They apply to four financial products:
The framework is built around 10 Principles, covering aspects such as:
By adhering to the Equator Principles, financial institutions and borrowers commit to conducting due diligence and managing project impacts in ways that respect human rights, protect biodiversity, and uphold the interests of affected communities.
Today, over 100 financial institutions in nearly 40 countries have adopted the EPs, making it a cornerstone of responsible finance and a vital tool in aligning economic development with environmental and social responsibility.