UNSDG10: Leveraging opportunities to reduce inequality whilst positively impacting climate

In my opinion, it is incumbent upon large multinational companies in particular to take a proactive stance on addressing critical global challenges such as inequality and climate change, particularly in light of COP28 UAE and the climate emergency. At our organization, 3M 公司 , we have recognized the importance of reducing inequality within and among countries while also committing to initiatives aligned with our United Nations #UNFCCC collaboration which goes from strength to strength. Here's a few aspects of how we approach this dual mandate and how they complement each other.

?Inclusive Employment Practices: We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral to our continued success, driving innovation through diversity. We have implemented comprehensive inclusive hiring and promotion practices to ensure that people of all backgrounds, genders, races, and abilities have equal access to opportunities within our organization.

Sustainable Supply Chain: We work diligently to ensure responsible sourcing and supply chain practices and that our partners adhere to fair labor practices, prevent exploitation, and support fair trade initiatives. Transparent and ethical sourcing is fundamental to our mission and contributes to reducing global inequality and goes towards our goal of remaining one of Ethisphere’s most ethical companies in the world.

Philanthropy and CSR: As part of our corporate social responsibility efforts, 3M supports a range of philanthropic initiatives that align with our commitment to reducing inequality through our charitable arm 3MGives. We have established programs that focus on education, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment and often take our grassroots workforce view on donations into our planning to ensure locally relevant programs and support networks. Our philanthropic investments contribute to social development and resilience-building in vulnerable communities.

As usual in these articles I like to take a glance at my fellow 3M expert colleagues and how they are tackling each Sustainable Development Goal. Romy Kenyon looks through a healthcare lense at the issue of equality and brings to the fore the immediacy of inequality found in medical care, showcasing some programs the World Health Organization is trying to implement to remedy the situation. Their data-driven approach highlights the glaring disparities by demographic, region and country impacting mortality rates and lifespans ultimately. Read the full piece here.

In conclusion, everyone associated with a multinational and even smaller entities should recognize the imperative of addressing both inequality and climate change. Our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 10 is deeply embedded in our business practices and ethics. Through our partnership with the UNFCCC, we are actively working towards reducing our environmental impact while promoting social equality, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world and I urge you all to do your part.