Sustainable Development Goals advisory services
Introduction
The Ethical Finance Hub has developed a service offering to support financial services organisations in Scotland, regardless of size or complexity, to embrace the Global Goals.We join the dots between organisations, business opportunities and the SDGs. We help local organisations use the SDG framework to explore investment approaches and drive positive business growth.
Why SDGs?
The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 quantitative and qualitative Global Goals reflect the aspirations of the people around the world. They are designed to address global economic, social, governance and environmental challenges, providing a common framework for shared action across all sectors and countries. 193 countries (including Scotland) have adopted the SDGs since September 2015 with the target date of 2030.
“The world has never before been united by a set of global goals on poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change. Not achieving these Goals would be the biggest market failure of our time. Financial markets must play a vital role in creating a sustainable future for us all.” Mark Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Aviva Plc
At current private sector participation levels there will be a US$2.4 trillion+ p/a funding gap. Business-as-usual in the global financial arena will not deliver the 2030 Agenda. A step-change in private investment in SDGs is required. Despite the funding gap only a fraction of the worldwide invested assets of banks, multinationals, pension funds, insurers, philanthropists and foundations are aligned with the SDGs.
We feel a duty to try and change this.
It is not purely altruistic!
The Business & Sustainable Development Commission revealed last year that the SDGs could open economic opportunities worth at least US$12 trillion and up to 380 million jobs a year by 2030.
“The global banking industry is stepping up to the sustainability challenge. I’m optimistic we’ll see a realignment of business practice – one that embraces the fact that green and socially responsible business is the best business.” Satya Tripathi, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Environment
We support financial services organisations in Scotland to embrace the Global Goals and help balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. Growing evidence shows that embracing the SDGs will set the stage for long-term business success while ensuring your organisation upholds its basic responsibilities to people and planet.
Whether you are starting out on your SDG journey or want to integrate the Global Goals more deeply into your business we have the knowledge and skills to help. We can add value at the strategic, policy and product or service levels. Use our support to build expertise in your organisation, and ensure that your supply chain, products, services and investments make a meaningful contribution to the SDGs.
We help you to:
- Understand how your organisation can effectively contribute to the SDGs and build internal capacity
- Show leadership by developing the business case and implementing a transition plan to integrate the SDGs into your organisation
- Evaluate performance and promote continuous improvement
Expertise
Our team is led by sustainability expert Fran Van Dijk and finance practitioner Omar Shaikh.
Fran has over 20 years’ experience in sustainability consulting and since their inception in 2015 has specialised in SDGs. She is the leading SDG specialist in Scotland. Omar is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in Islamic, ethical finance and private equity. He has advised and trained financial institutions and Governments across the globe.
Get in Touch
With direct access to UNDP in New York, a track-record in sustainability consulting and a deep knowledge of financial services we are the trusted SDG advisor for financial institutions in Scotland.
To find out more about our offering please download our literature (on right) and contact Chris Tait on [email protected] or +44(0)7931 103573.