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Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals for SMEs: Guideline and case study

CPAs are in an excellent position to lead sustainability efforts in their organizations. Learn how to apply a six-step process to implement United Nations’ (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals: Six Steps for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises - Guideline Download
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals: Six Steps for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises - Case Study Download

The UN’s SDGs are 17 ambitious global goals designed to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and advance peace and prosperity for all people by 2030. The SDGs are integrated, provide a universal starting point for action on these key societal priorities, and are increasingly being implemented by governments and large organizations around the world. And there is a growing global recognition that SMEs have a critical role in achieving the SDGs. Implementing the SDGs builds organizational resilience, adaptability and innovation, and helps organizations understand their key current and future economic, environmental and social impacts.

The Role for CPAs

SMEs can implement the SDGs in line with their business strategy to create value. Chartered Professional Accountants’ (CPAs’) forward-looking focus on creating value for their organizations positions them well to lead sustainability efforts. CPAs in SMEs can learn to describe the SDGs, explain their relevance, identify the most important SDGs for their organization, prioritize key actions, measure progress and collaborate with key stakeholders to take action.

Get practical Guidance to Implement the Sustainable Development Goals

The guideline and case study provides practical guidance for CPAs to implement the SDGs in support of their organization’s business strategy, risk management and decision-making. It also provides a strong foundation for how to communicate an organization’s sustainability activities and performance to stakeholders.

Created for:

  • CPAs working in for-profit and not-for-profit SMEs across all industries

Key objectives:

  • Integrate the most relevant SDGs into your business strategy and use them to:
    • identify key sustainability priorities
    • create future benefits for your organization’s stakeholders
    • understand your organization’s current and future economic, environmental and social impacts
  • Provide expertise to manage risks and build a more resilient, adaptable and innovative organization that contributes to society’s sustainable development