Secretary-General, at Unilever Dinner, Urges Private Sector to Bring Sustainability into Core of Business Operations, Develop ‘Progressive’ Climate Policies

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the Unilever dinner on “Better Growth through Sustainable Development”, in New York today:

Good evening.  

We meet on the eve of a momentous occasion.

Tomorrow, all 193 Member States will officially adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This transformative and inclusive agenda for people and planet is the result of years of dialogue, consultation and negotiation involving Governments, business, civil society and citizens.

We could not have reached this stage without the experience of the Millennium Development Goals.

They showed the power of establishing global priorities backed by tangible targets.

One key lesson from the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] was to include all stakeholders from the beginning.

Another key lesson is that we cannot improve the lives of people unless we preserve and wisely manage the planet’s natural capital.

Agenda 2030 and the 17 sustainable development goals define the world we want — and how to get there.

Now we have to take that blueprint and employ the resources and ingenuity needed to transform our societies for sustainable growth that benefits all people.

That will involve intense collaboration among Ggovernments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations, including the United Nations.

The UN Global Compact will translate the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] for businesses globally.

It will help companies understand how they can contribute to achieving the goals through responsible business practices.

Investing in sustainable development is not about charity.

The SDGs present an unprecedented opportunity for long-term, sustainable value creation. 

More resilient infrastructure and a healthier, better educated and more inclusive workforce translate into greater economic vitality.

They mean greater opportunities to expand markets and benefit from the new patterns of growth that will reshape the twenty-first21st global economy.

The business community has a key role to play in advancing the sustainable development agenda.

Private sector action will be central to the success of each of the global goals.

It can help to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed to move to a low-carbon economy.

This December, the Climate Change Conference in Paris will provide the first major test of our ability to make progress in support of the SDGs.

In addition to having its own dedicated goal, action on climate change is integral to most of the global goals.

Climate action has many co-benefits, including for public and environmental health, energy security and economic and political stability.

We have a golden opportunity to reach a meaningful, universal agreement on climate change this year.  

So many of the stars are aligned.

All sectors of society are mobilizing.

National, provincial and municipal governments around the world are spearheading action. 

Civil society and faith leaders — including Pope Francis who will be addressing the General Assembly tomorrow morning — are giving voice to the moral imperative of climate action.

And the business community is engaged as never before. 

Unilever is providing a powerful example of corporate leadership. 

Allow me to thank Mr. Paul Polman for his strong commitment to sustainable development, including as a member of my High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post 2015 Development Agenda.  

We need as many corporate champions as possible to bring sustainability from the sidelines into the core of business operations. 

We must build on this momentum.

There is increasing understanding that economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy are complementary.

There are tremendous opportunities for countries and companies that take the lead in developing clean energy technologies and markets.   

I am encouraged when I hear responsible businesses calling for Governments to reach a meaningful, universal climate agreement.

Companies with progressive climate policies and green investments are showing that they can thrive in the marketplace.

This helps Governments to understand that their economies can grow while addressing climate change.

It provides confidence to enact policies that punish polluters and reward cleaner, more efficient, more sustainable practices.

Now we need an international agreement that sends the right market signals.

An agreement that calls for all countries to curb their emissions and strengthen their resilience.

We need an agreement that tells Ggovernments and businesses that the transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy is inevitable and irreversible.

Paris must make clear that there is no turning back, and that all of society is part of the solution — CEOs, cities and citizens.  

In the coming months, I urge your companies to put the pressure on harder than ever before.

I see five areas where your action and advocacy are essential.

First, we must put a price on carbon.

Second, we must set emissions targets based on science.

Third, we need you to speak up publicly and in private against negative lobbying on climate action.

Fourth, we need greater investment in climate resilience.

And fifth, we need to invest more in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

Stand up for a better, greener future, including through our Caring for Climate initiative..

My appeal to you tonight is simple.

Make the case that green business is good business.

Spread the word that ethical business is sustainable business.

Show the world that responsible business is profitable business.

I thank all the distinguished guests here tonight for your partnership and collaboration with the United Nations.

You have helped define the future we want.

Together, let us now work to make Agenda 2030 a reality for people everywhere.

Thank you.