The SDGs take into account all three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. They cover a wide range of sustainability issues such as poverty, education, health, climate change and environmental damage, which are also relevant to business and therefore allow the business strategy to be linked to global objectives. Using the SDGs, your company can demonstrate internally and externally how it promotes sustainable development in its operations, and what contributions you make to global challenges.

Important Component of the Brand Image
Corporate Social Responsibility requires the commitment of everyone involved. It begins with a clear commitment on the part of the decision-makers, because CSR must not only be understood but also exemplified. Only then can it be properly communicated to employees and in turn demanded after appropriate orientation and training. The central idea of CSR is that, in addition to their economic success, companies also pursue goals that have a positive impact on society and the environment. That’s why many companies see CSR as an important part of their brand image. And for good reason: The need of customers to increasingly purchase products and services from companies that they consider to have ethical integrity, sustainability and responsibility has increased markedly in recent years.

For entrepreneurs, management and decision-makers, this means: Orientate yourself to your stakeholders and link your business strategy to the Global Goals. By using the SDGs, your company can demonstrate how it promotes sustainable development in its operations and how it contributes to economic, social and environmental challenges. The goal of the SDGs is not for companies to contribute to all 17 goals, but rather, to address the SDGs in the first place and lead by example in those areas where it makes the most sense and maximizes their contribution towards the Global Goals. The rule here: Less is more. That is why it is crucial to prioritize the SDGs.

Inclusion of all Stakeholders
Sustainability management is based on the approach of continuous improvement, because the process of CSR is never finished. If goals and objectives have been achieved, new ones are defined. Roman philosopher and politician Marcus Tillius Cicero said: «Never start to stop, never stop to start.» This is what drives CSR. All different stakeholders are involved, interactions with different stakeholders inside and outside the organization are brought into focus, and perspectives and expectations of the company are explored. Only when these perspectives are integrated into the company’s development is the economic gain also ensured over a longer time horizon.

Numerous large companies are already implementing this change at national and international levels. They are considered pioneers of modern corporate governance. They are improving the environmental sustainability of their operations by using renewable energy sources, they do not tolerate child labor or human rights violations in their supply chain, and they are committed to equal rights for employees of all genders. What this awareness means for SMEs: The moment for CSR has come.