University of Winchester supporting local businesses to contribute to SDGs

9th April 2018

Many businesses today think about sustainability and their social responsibilities but how does this fit with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

Booking is now open for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Roadshow, which is to make Winchester the first stop on its 2018 tour with an event hosted in partnership with the University of Winchester.

Managed by the UN Global Compact UK, the Roadshow aims to raise awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explaining what they are, why businesses should care and how businesses can effectively contribute to – and benefit from – achieving the goals. Visiting several locations across the UK, all events feature presentations from UK and local business people about how they are aligning their activities and strategies with the SDGs.

The Sustainable Development Goals, sometimes known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the UK and the other 192 member states of the United Nations in 2015. They call for economic growth, innovation, circular economies and upgraded infrastructure, as well as providing a path to end extreme poverty, fight inequality, and protect the planet.

Carole Parkes, Professor of Responsible Management Education (PRME) at the University of Winchester Business School and Special Advisor to the UN for PRME, said: “We are pleased  help the Global Compact Network UK bring the SDG Roadshow to Winchester for the first time this year. The Sustainable Development Goals have the power to transform our world, creating opportunities for new business models to deliver products and services into new markets. This event will help local businesses join the conversation, giving them the chance to hear what other UK and local businesses are doing and to find out how they can get involved.”

Run in partnership with the University of Winchester – which is a PRME Champion School -  the Winchester SDG Roadshow will be opened by University of Winchester Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter CBE. Talks will then be presented by Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network UK, Steve Kenzie, and local business people Jon Khoo, Innovation Partner at Interface and Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Southern Co-operative. The event will conclude with a business panel and Q&A.

The UN’s Global Compact delivers an extensive programme with the aim of mobilising a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create a better world.

Winchester SDG Roadshow - 'Making Global Goals Local Business' takes place from 2pm-6pm on 12 April in the Stripe Building, Sparkford Road, Winchester, England, SO22 4NR. The event will end with a networking buffet. Tickets are free but booking is essential. Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/WinchesterRoadshow