LONDON, 2015-9-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — You might have seen the ‘Global Goals’ being talked about this week and would like to know what Sainsbury’s and our customers and colleagues can do to get involved.
On September 25th 2015, the United Nations General Assembly will gather and commit to 17 sustainable development goals. These goals will take us into the next 15 years of international development and aim to end poverty, tackle inequality and reduce the impact of climate change. This will no doubt have an effect on people and companies around the world to make a positive impact on everyone.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and make a key point of difference for our business. The new Sustainable Development Goals are well aligned to our own business values and our 20×20 sustainability plan, including our environmental and sourcing commitments, as well supporting our communities and our credentials as a good employer.
I’m really proud of our work that supports the new goals, which spans from The Fair Development Fund which was set up with Comic Relief in 2007. This is a unique partnership that combines Comic Relief’s expertise in awarding grants with our experience and knowledge in farming and food to help producers in developing countries thrive. This means that farmers and workers have a better chance of building a sustainable income and brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. And all the way through to project such as one in Kenya which is focused on improving water efficiencies during production, developing smallholder-specific flower production and improving women workers’ health education and provision. Previously used in Bangladesh, this ‘peer to peer’ model identifies topics specific to the work force and has proven results in reducing absenteeism, which in turn impacts income.
We believe that the business case for sustainability has never been stronger. Through our customers, colleagues and supply chains we will continue to focus on our sustainability commitments and take action to support the goals.
If you’d like to find out more about the Global Goals, visit the campaign site http://www.globalgoals.org/
By Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury’s brand
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