"Sustainable Development Goals: Why Business Should Care", 5 Jan 2016

In September more than 190 world countries adopted the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to tackle climate change, provide clean water and end poverty, among other ambitious targets, by 2030..."If you are running a business, you're probably asking right about now: 'Why should I care?'" writes Bhaskar Chakravorti, senior associate dean of international business and finance at The Fletcher School at Tufts University...[T]here are three reasons...[T]he SDGs represent a growth opportunity for companies...[C]ompetitive pressure to help with the goals is likely and companies could gain a first-mover advantage by positioning themselves as SDG leaders . Microsoft's approach to the SDGs, for example, starts with linking them to the company's mission...[W]ith their $3-tillion-per-year price tag, the SDGS "cannot be realized without business participation."...[Also refers to H&M, SAB Miller]