Facing unprecedented challenges in sustainability, climate change, and basic food security, the United Nations is working with governments worldwide to ensure that businesses incorporate measures to alleviate these problems.
This effort has led to many Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) regulations as countries attempt to align with common goals and mitigate challenges. But what are these common goals, and how are they defined?
UNSDGS Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGS) are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. These objectives seek a sustainable future while addressing urgent political, economic, and social challenges.
By aligning their business models with these goals, companies can be confident that their efforts are part of a more significant movement to address problems while remaining profitable.
The 5Ps of the UNSDGS
Central to the UNSDGs are the 5Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. These concepts represent the five critical areas of importance to ensure holistic development and sustainability for our world and create synergy between economic growth and sustainability.
The 5Ps can significantly influence the business environment, particularly entrepreneurship and small businesses. Each offers a different facet that can promote a sustainable, successful enterprise when integrated into a business model.
People
Every business revolves around people, from employees to customers. Prioritizing people means developing an inclusive business model that ensures fair treatment, promotes equality, and invests in workforce development. Small businesses can do this by cultivating a culture of inclusivity and maintaining high ethical standards in their operations.
Planet
Businesses directly impact our environment, and adopting sustainable practices is crucial to mitigate this impact. Small companies and startups can contribute by opting for eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting recycling. By integrating sustainability into their business models, enterprises can protect the planet while attracting a new, environmentally-conscious customer base.
Prosperity
This component underscores the need for businesses to contribute to economic growth and ensure the well-being of society. Entrepreneurs always strive to be profitable, but with the added impact of responsible business governance, they can add prosperity to their business models by creating sustainable jobs, providing fair wages, and investing in the local economy. Profit and prosperity go hand in hand in a sustainable business model.
Peace
A peaceful society is a fertile ground for businesses to thrive with equal justice and strong institutions within the business community. By supporting local community initiatives and advocating for ethical practices, small businesses can help promote peace and stability.
Partnership
In the journey towards sustainability, no business is an island. Forming strategic alliances and partnerships can significantly boost a small business's capabilities. Collaboration fosters innovation and enables sharing of best practices, creating a robust network to drive the sustainability agenda forward.
Implementing the 5Ps in a business model contributes to achieving the UNSDGs, enhances the brand's credibility, fuels innovation, and ensures long-term business viability.
Using the 5Ps and UNSDGS in Your New Venture
The UNSDGs' 5Ps offer a valuable framework for developing business models to balance profitability with sustainability. Entrepreneurs and new business leaders are uniquely positioned to use this framework to build these goals into their new company from the start.
We invite you to join the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) at Georgian College to learn more about navigating the path toward sustainable entrepreneurship. We provide resources, support, and a vibrant community of innovators that will guide and inspire you in integrating the 5Ps into your business model.
Together, we can redefine the future of entrepreneurship and take businesses beyond profit. Join us now.