The unveiling of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 has driven many global initiatives aimed at reversing the effects of climate change and contributing to the realisation of human rights.

Values of resilience, sustainability and social responsibility have long been at the heart of Danish culture and enterprise. As Danish companies continue to expand their businesses internationally, it creates opportunities for building long-term strategic partnerships and multi-stakeholder solutions that can support the sustainable development and the system change that the world needs.

A hub to merge global activities with local engagement 

Denmark’s Trade Council in New York is now initiating and facilitating key relationships with multilateral institutions through its Global SDG Business Hub, helping to grow their global imprints abroad and achieve the SDGs for all.

Denmark’s engagement with sustainable development is one of the precursors for the SDGs and the Danish private sector has thereby led the way in its commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda. Danish companies can leverage this commitment to be more competitive in the global marketplace, while achieving social good.

One of the goals of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to increase business opportunities for Danish companies and make a meaningful impact on the world through sustainable solutions.

“We believe that Denmark has a global responsibility and opportunity to be a leader in socially responsible commerce. The Danish government’s commitment to social responsibility gives Denmark and Danish companies the opportunity to teach much larger countries and economies how to be more sustainable,” said Joan Hentze, Deputy Consul General at Denmark in New York and founder of the Global SDG Business Hub.

The establishment of the Global SDG Business Hub in New York supports the integration of local engagement into global activities. They work strategically around the UN platforms through partnerships both in New York but also on the global scene - collaborating with governments, cities and civil society.

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Partnerships from all sectors key to achieving the SDGs

Cross-regional and cross-sector partnerships are essential to achieving the sustainability agenda. Consequently, the SDGs cannot be realised without private sector participation. According to the Better Business Better World report by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, achieving the SDGs could open up an estimated EUR 10 trillion in market opportunities in four economic areas: food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and well-being.

“To that point, the SDGs require a large amount of investment and collaboration. Partnerships need to be formed to share knowledge and create information pools for both countries and businesses to help them work towards achieving the SDGs. Strategic partnerships provide opportunities for business to achieve more than they can alone. Capacity building helps build stronger economies in developing countries, enhancing the commercial environment,” said Carina Sølling Damm, Commercial Advisor for the SDGs.

By integrating the SDGs into business strategies, companies will be able to stay ahead of regulatory developments, anticipate future trends, and tap into growth markets. Therefore, there is a real opportunity to develop strategic approaches that go beyond philanthropy, towards unique collaboration between commercial, political, and civil society, which can generate shared value and real paradigm shift.

The P4G initiative - Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 

State of Green also acts as the Danish platform for P4G - a new international initiative supported by countries, businesses, international organisations, academia and civil society. The objective of P4G is to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs through market driven green solutions. This is done through the development and scaling of public-private partnerships that target humanity’s greatest needs: food, water, energy and healthy cities.

By harnessing the strength of the public and private sectors, P4G facilitate concrete action towards the implementation of the SDGs and develop a just, inclusive world.

- For more information about P4G click here.

Source: The Consulate General of Denmark in New York