SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT KEY TO BUSINESS GOALS SAYS ICCN

The International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria has observed that sustainability is not a luxury but a key business driver.

The chairman, ICCN, Mr. Babatunde Savage, made this observation while unveiling the ICCN Business Charter for Sustainable Development during the chambers’ annual dinner and dance held in Lagos recently.

Savage disclosed that the Sustainable Development Goals launched by the United Nations early in the year resonated with many important areas of ICCN’s advocacy work, from trade and investment to areas such as climate change.

He added that sustainability initiatives could help create profits and business opportunities.

He said, “The international business community fully recognises that the SDGs provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure a brighter, safer and more prosperous future for all. We must establish a new partnership involving government, business and society to deliver on the promise of these new goals. In this context, ICC Nigeria will ensure that Nigerians fully tap the expertise, experience and resources available worldwide on this subject.

The new revision of the Charter, which we are here to unveil today, has been designed to support the implementation of the UN’s SDGs.

As a way of introduction to the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development, we need to ensure that sustainability is understood as a key business driver, rather than a luxury investment or a public relations tool.

Also speaking during the dinner, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya stressed the need to pay attention to Infrastructure, health and education as a prerequisite to realising the SDGs come 2030.