SDGs: The challenge for leaders
In September 2015, the leaders of United Nations’ 193 member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (“Transforming our World”), a universal agenda containing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs were selected after the largest public consultation in the UN’s history, resulting in 17 interlinked global objectives for reducing inequality, protecting the planet, and paving the way toward a prosperous and more sustainable future for all.
The 17 goals, which comprise 169 targets and 230 indicators, are intended to be achieved by 2030.
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The three pillars guiding business and finance
The SDGs integrate the three pillars of sustainable development:
- Economic growth
- Social inclusion
- Environmental protection
These pillars are interconnected and crucial for the well-being of individuals, societies, and the planet’s ecosystem.
Four goals shaping the financial sector
Gender equality (SDG 5)
Why it matters: Achieving gender equality is essential for a more equitable society where women have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from social and economic wellbeing.
Business connection: There is a need for businesses to develop products and services that directly service the needs of women.
Financial sector implication: Women typically have the least access to financial services in emerging markets. Innovative products such as FinTech can improve access, and institutions need to address gender imbalance at board and senior management level.
Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12)
Why it matters: Human activity is fueling climate change and environmental destruction. A sustainable long-term model is needed.
Business connection: Businesses must assess their footprint across supply chains and operations.
Financial sector implication: Banks finance the global economy, including supply chains. Transitioning lending and investment criteria to align with the circular economy is now a strategic priority.
Climate action (SDG 13)
Why it matters: The Paris Agreement commits countries to limit warming to 1.5–2°C and reach net zero by 2050.
Business connection: Every business must transition to net zero.
Financial sector implication: Banks need to consider how to shift lending and investment portfolios toward a net-zero carbon financing model.
Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16)
Why it matters: Social stability, rule of law, and accountable institutions are essential for sustainable societies.
Business connection: Businesses must avoid contributing to corruption and cronyism.
Financial sector implication: Banks play a role in supporting SDG 16 by demanding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in their lending.
The leadership challenge
Companies can play a positive or negative role in delivering the SDGs.
A large financial services company aligning its sustainability policy with national targets and programs can use its influence to shape markets, set new benchmarks, and accelerate the transition toward sustainable practices. By embedding the SDGs into investment strategies, lending criteria, and governance frameworks, such firms can create ripple effects across entire industries and value chains.
Conversely, firms that make only superficial changes — adjusting policies or portfolios to appear greener without fundamentally altering their approach — perpetuate the current model and risk accusations of greenwashing. This not only undermines the credibility of sustainability commitments but also exposes institutions to regulatory, reputational, and financial risk.
For leaders, the challenge is clear: moving beyond compliance or branding to demonstrate genuine alignment with the SDGs. This means setting measurable targets, integrating sustainability into decision-making at every level, and ensuring accountability through transparent reporting. The difference between leadership and lip service will define which firms build long-term trust and which are left behind.
Content for this article is taken directly from Intuition Know-How.
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