UN Official Urges Business to Lead Sustainable Development, Cites India as Key Player
New Delhi [India]: The United Nations on Tuesday called on Indian businesses to take the lead in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting that “business is absolutely fundamental, and perhaps the most critical player in this journey.”
In an address at the National Sustainability Symposium organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, HG Shombi Sharp, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India emphasized that governments and international organizations alone lack the resources needed to meet the SDGs by 2030.
“No government or multilateral institution has the financial muscle to create the jobs, build the infrastructure, or deliver affordable goods and services at the scale required. This is where business comes in, and aligning business interests with SDG goals could unlock $12 trillion in new opportunities,” he said.
Pointing to India’s rapid economic growth, Sharp called the country “a major source of optimism,” noting that India could become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. However, he stressed that this growth must be sustainable. “India’s ambitious target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 requires close collaboration between government and business,” he said.
Sharp also praised India’s leadership in climate action, including initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which help developing nations tackle the growing threats of climate change. He further highlighted India’s significant strides in sustainable textiles, green economic growth, and integrating circular economy principles into business models.
The UN official underscored that building a skilled workforce will be key to India’s green transition, with nearly one million young people entering the workforce each month. He noted the importance of integrating sustainability into India’s business practices, from supply chains to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, pointing to India’s Companies Act 2013 as a catalyst for CSR growth.
Also speaking at the event, Naresh Tyagi, chairman, ICC and chief sustainability officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail said , “we must integrate sustainability into the core of our operations, making it part of our business DNA. With India’s commitment to a circular economy and renewable energy, we’re poised to generate immense economic benefit. This journey requires collaboration, innovation, and collective action. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for not only our country but the entire planet.”
Reflecting on cooperation between policy makers and industry, ICC director general Rajeev Singh said, “Sustainable development is not just good ethics—it’s good business. India is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in green innovation, and the partnership between business and government will be critical in shaping the future”.
