Supply chain

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the management of supply chains are closely interwoven. To achieve the 17 SDGs, we must examine every aspect of society and business, including how goods are produced, transported, and consumed. In this context, supply chain operations have a significant role to play in both contributing to and solving many of the challenges encapsulated within the SDGs.

The supply chain directly affects SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. The way supply chains are managed can significantly influence the quality of jobs, especially in developing nations where many production activities are outsourced. Employers should ensure decent working conditions, fair wages, and the prohibition of child or forced labor. On the production front, organizations should commit to resource-efficient and cleaner production methods, minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and ensuring sustainable sourcing practices.

Supply chains also play a key role in tackling climate change (SDG 13). Transitioning towards low-carbon supply chains, improving energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, supply chains can impact SDG 2, Zero Hunger, and SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, depending on their operation in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Ensuring the safe, efficient, and equitable distribution of food and medical products can help eradicate hunger and ensure health and well-being.

From a gender equality perspective (SDG 5), businesses can strive for equal representation in all parts of their supply chain, ensuring women have the same employment opportunities as men. Meanwhile, SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, also finds a place in supply chain operations. Here, businesses must act against corruption, bribery, and other unethical practices, promoting transparency and accountability in all their transactions.

In essence, sustainable and responsible supply chain management is an effective approach for businesses to contribute substantially to the SDGs. By aligning their strategies with these goals, businesses can bring about positive change, enhance their brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge, all while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Contributing to SDGs 8 and 16, the Interactive Map for Business of Anti-Human Trafficking Organisations includes information on the organisations that work with the business sector to combat modern slavery.
To advance goal 5, this report seeks to bridge the gap in the conversation around gender equality by demonstrating that when more women are in corporate decision-making positions, their companies benefit - as do society and the environment.
Elsevier,

Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Planning, Design, and Control through Interdisciplinary Methodologies, 2019, Pages 249-260

This book chapter addresses goals 2 and 12 by analysing food systems sustainability through the lens of the interrelated implications and impacts of FLW on production and consumption.
This report provides an assessment of how companies in the UN Global Compact are adopting the Ten Principles and taking action to deliver on the SDGs. It contributes to Goals 10, 12 and 17.
Companies often struggle to identify and implement meaningful action to address risks to trade union rights in their global value chains. This resource helps companies assess where and why they might face heightened risks to trade union rights and showcases eight examples of how real companies have approached trade union rights in practice. The report contributes to SDGs 8 and 10.
The publication highlights the potential role of social dialogue in fostering stability, equity, productivity, sustainable enterprises and inclusive growth, contributing to SDGs 8, 10 and 12.
This solution-focused report — the fourth in its series — offers 10 new markets which could help get the Global Goals back on track, such as blockchain-based land rights for Goal 10 and energy-efficient cooling for Goal 13. The report aims to demonstrate how global sustainability challenges and risks can be seen as opportunities.
This report celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and builds upon the UN Global Compact Progress Report. With a particular focus on SDG 8, it highlights initiatives by Global Compact Local Networks around the world, presents snapshots of good practice from companies participating in the UN Global Compact and showcases initiatives that are advancing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Elsevier, Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, Volume 13, October 2018
Sustainable green chemistry depends on technically feasible, cost-effective and socially acceptable decisions by regulators, industry and the wider community. The discipline needs to embrace a new suite of tools and train proponents in their use. We propose a set of tools that will bridge the gap between technical feasibility and efficiency on one hand, and social preferences and values on the other. We argue that they are indispensable in the next generation of regulators and chemistry industry proponents.
Producing enough food of sufficient quality to feed an ever increasing population faces many challenges. This will require higher yields from agricultural production to meet the demands of changing population demographics using the limited natural resources available. Crop protection chemicals, developed by the agrochemical industry, are used by growers to ensure that consistently high yields are obtained, provide ease and reliability of harvest and to maintain excellent quality of produce from the crops they grow.

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