Putting the planet first

Inform your discussions and decisions this week:?this week marked the opening of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). For the next two weeks, diplomats and UN officials will engage in detailed discussions on a wide range of topics, before heads of state and government start arriving in New York. In addition to the General Debate, where leaders appear at the famous podium, this year’s UNGA will include key summits around antimicrobial resistance, sea-level rise and a “Summit of the Future ” to enhance multilateral responses to global shocks.?

In this issue, watch Tonilyn Lim , Chief of programmes at the United Nations Global Compact, discuss challenges in meeting the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals previously set by the UN. This deadline will loom over New York Climate Week, which takes place alongside UNGA, from September 22-29. Business leaders, policy specialists and more will focus on accelerating the energy transition and on how to finance emissions reductions, which are key to halting climate change.?

You can also learn how high ocean temperatures are devastating marine ecosystems while invasive urchin barrens are leading to a loss of biodiversity, undermining progress to achieve the UN’s SDGs. Read Economist Impact’s analysis of how supply chains shifted between 2019-2022, resulting in a structurally higher future inflation outlook.

The United Nations Global Compact’s chief of programmes discusses progress toward achieving SDGs. She also explores how businesses can uphold their commitment to sustainability in a complex economic and geopolitical landscape.

While business leaders are grappling with economic and social challenges, there is opportunity for cross-sector partnerships to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.?

How can companies best contribute to climate action? Join us at Sustainability Week: Countdown to COP29 in Amsterdam on October 7th-8th to be a part of the debate.