Nordic CEOs join forces for a sustainable future

(Oslo, 31 October 2018) Today, a group of Nordic-based CEOs announced a joint initiative to speed up the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Representatives from the group presented their shared ambitions to Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg during the 70th Nordic Council session in Oslo.

The group consists of the CEOs of Equinor, Hydro, the GSMA, slandsbanki, Nokia, SAS, Swedbank, Telenor Group, Telia Company, Vestas and Yara International. The CEOs have joined forces to highlight the need for new business models that will drive the transition to a 21st century economy aligned with the ethical, social and environmental priorities of our time. The initiative also creates a platform for the Nordic Prime Ministers to engage directly with the CEOs on how to move from sustainability as a compliance exercise to purpose driven companies. A key objective is to explore ways to deliver more impact through collaboration and responsible business practices.

The ability to meet the ambitious targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires visionary leadership, and I am honoured to be part of this commitment by Nordic business leaders in putting the SDGs at the very top of their agenda. As we enter a fourth industrial revolution, sustainability becomes an even more critical element of our business - as well as a business opportunity and we must continually deliver value to society and respond to the many challenges facing our world, commented Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.

Anchored in business strategies

The CEOs have committed to aligning their business strategies with the UN SDGs and to exploring opportunities for collaboration. The arena will facilitate experience exchange, shared learning and explore how the companies can best measure effects and maximize impact of their efforts.

Joint letter to the Nordic Prime Ministers

In the early stages of forming the initiative, the CEOs sent a joint letter to the Nordic Prime Ministers in June 2018 announcing their ambitions. This resulted in today's meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who is also a co-chair of the UN's Global SDG Advocate group, during Nordic Council's 70th joint session. In the meeting, the CEOs presented the shared ambitions on behalf of the initiative and an updated joint letter. The group also discussed the importance of global trade and public-private partnerships as vital preconditions for realizing the UN SDGs.

Read the letter from the Nordic CEOs for a Sustainable Future to the Nordic Prime Ministers and their individual statements here.

LINK:	https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/nordic-ceos-join-forces-fo...
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