Maximising the impact of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

What are the SDGs?

In January 2016 the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. This set of 17 ‘Global Goals’, together with 169 targets, provides a common framework for all parts of society to work within to achieve a world without extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.

At the heart of implementing the goals is the premise that cross-sector collaboration is essential for success – not just by civil society and governments, but a full range of stakeholders, including businesses and citizens. No one sector or organisation alone can achieve the scale of change needed.

As an essential force for change, working closely with businesses and civil society, we contributed to the development of this long-term agenda. We are committed to ensuring that all resources reach the parts of the globe where they are most needed to achieve maximum impact.

To accelerate the process we have developed a range of initiatives in our role as impartial thought leader, convenor and advisor.

What's your role as a business?

Companies looking to future-proof markets, compete for talent, mitigate modern supply chain risks and respond to the evolving challenges of climate change, cannot afford to overlook the significance of the SDGs. As part of renewing their social contract with society, today’s companies are overwhelmingly expected to make a positive contribution to the communities they affect.

What opportunities are there for businesses?

The SDGs offer a long-term higher purpose, with benefits for a range of stakeholders. There are many opportunities for your business to engage. These include:

Products & services

Developing products and services geared around delivering the goals.

Awareness

Raising awareness among stakeholders.

Partnerships

Pursuing multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Support

Advocating supportive regulatory environments for civil society organisations.

How we're driving THE SDGs

At CAF we’re committed to effective giving. We’re an enterprising charity with a global presence and a stake in long-term social change. By working with us, you’re joining forces to build and strengthen civil society. We publish ground-breaking research and thought leadership whilst campaigning to create an enabling policy environment for civil society. As an independent voice we are able to engage a wide range of stakeholders, convene opportunities to test and challenge your thinking and help accelerate change.

We can help translate across business and social agendas to help you align to the SDG agenda, act through high impact strategies, assess your work and develop new opportunities for business and society.

Our three-stage advisory framework helps build the business case for engagement within and outside the business and embed SDG thinking. We can also add value to your partnerships and programmes along the journey through advice, grant making and financial vehicles which engage your stakeholders and de-risk your giving.

Our approach to strategic alignment with the SDGs

1. Align
Exploring your business’ role in the SDGs:
- Horizon scan
- Diagnostic review
- Business case
2. Act
Prioritising high-impact programmes:
- Impact framework
- Partner identification
- Programme implementation
3. Assess
Embedding SDG thinking:
- Impact evaluation
- Stakeholder insights
- New opportunities to add value

How we’re making a difference with our clients

Ecobank Foundation

Goal 1: No poverty
Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing
Goal 4: Quality education
Goal 8: Economic inclusion

Ecobank Foundation in Africa aims to achieve social change in health, education and financial inclusion. Through aligning their work with the SDGs, we enabled the client to engage senior stakeholders, identify shared agendas, widen their influence and find new partners to enhance their impact.

We also supported the development of an impact framework which has helped them articulate the change they are seeking to make with partners and to prioritise their own activity. The Foundation is now identifying opportunities to engage the business and also external public and private sector partners.

“CAF have played a valuable role as a critical friend and supporter of social change in Africa. They guided our thinking and helped engage internal stakeholders at critical points in the process.”

Julie Essiam, Chief Executive Officer, The Ecobank Foundation

Maximising the impact of the SDGs

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS