The Global Challenge

Over one billion people live on $1.25 per day or less. Most are in Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty rates are also high in many small, fragile and conflict-affected countries. To address poverty and its many manifestations, economic growth must include all segments of society, including the development of sustainable jobs.

The Business Opportunity

According to the UN Global Compact, recent experiences with economic growth show that “strong markets and strong societies go hand in hand”. Businesses have found opportunities in developing innovative products and services to serve communities affected by poverty, and in leveraging these groups “as consumers, employees in the value change, supplies/distributors, and community members.”

• Goal 1: NO POVERTY
• Goal 2: ZERO HUNGER
• Goal 3: GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING
• Goal 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
• Goal 5: GENDER EQUALITY
• Goal 6: CLEAN WATER & SANITATION
• Goal 7: AFFORDABLE & CLEAN ENERGY
• Goal 8: DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH
• Goal 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
• Goal 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
• Goal 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
• Goal 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
• Goal 13: CLIMATE ACTION
• Goal 14: LIFE BELOW WATER
• Goal 15: LIFE ON LAND
• Goal 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
• Goal 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS