Pioneering for tomorrow: An interplay between tech companies and the UN's SDGs

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” ~ Robert Swan, Author

In this day and age, no one is a stranger to how the latest technology and innovations make a positive impact on the world. But with changes even as small as standardising the charging port of a mobile device regardless of make and model, the world is also focused on ensuring that such technology and innovations are focused towards the environment and sustainability.

In fact, in 2015, the United Nations Member States adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This set of global objectives aims to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030. Let's have a look at the SDGs :

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

Given their investments into innovations under the same, the appropriate question that steps in is how technology and tech service provider companies come in. This is a multifaceted interplay:

Providing the push for access to Education (Per SDG 4)

Digital Literacy Programs:

Promoting digital literacy initiatives helps bridge the digital divide, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the skills and access needed to participate in the digital economy.

E-Learning Platforms:

Companies such as in the EdTech field can provide online educational platforms, e-books, and interactive learning tools to improve access to quality education globally, particularly in areas that have underserved communities.

Providing job opportunities (Per SDG 8)

Job Creation:

On a micro and macroeconomic scale, technology companies, like companies from other sectors, contribute to economic growth by creating job opportunities. This is significant, particularly when it surrounds emerging fields such as AI, Cybersecurity, and Renewable energy, which further advance a country's capabilities in general to better address social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Innovating for Sustainable Development (Per SDG 9) :

R&D ??

Technology companies are setting the standard for innovation and advancing numerous industries. Investments in research and development can lead to new technology and solutions that address problems with infrastructure, transportation, and industry, thereby advancing sustainable development.

Smart Infrastructure:

Technology companies contribute to the creation of sustainable and intelligent infrastructure, including resilient urban design, intelligent transportation systems, and energy-efficient buildings. These developments have the potential to improve living standards and support environmental sustainability.

Being the impetus for inclusion (Per SDG 10):

Digital Inclusion:

By tackling the digital divide, providing technology to underserved communities, and ensuring that the advantages of technical progress are distributed fairly, technology companies can foster digital inclusion.

D&I

Reducing disparities in the workforce is facilitated by encouraging inclusive hiring practices and diversity within tech companies.

Collaboration and Partnerships (Per SDG 17)

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships:

Technology companies may work together with other businesses, non-profits, and governments to achieve the SDGs by utilising their resources, technology, and expertise.

?Open Data Initiatives:

?Sharing data and insights with other organizations and governments can facilitate evidence-based decision-making and contribute to achieving common goals.

Promoting sustainable practices in Manufacturing (Per SDG 12)

Circular Economy:

Tech companies can promote the focus on a circular economy approach, with product design factoring elements such as:

• Recyclability
• Reuse of components, and
• Minimising electronic waste.

This aligns with the goal of responsible consumption and production.

Addressing Climate Change (Per SDG 13)

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Technology companies can actively strive towards reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by implementing sustainable data centre practices, carbon offset programmes, and energy-efficient equipment.

In a nutshell, beyond merely altering the way we live, technology is actively creating a better world. Aligned with the United Nations' SDGs, the companies that utilise and provide services oriented around such technology are change agents for sustainable development.