On 21 June 2017, to mark the launch of the RELX Group SDG Resource Centre - a dedicated free to use news and information resource to help advance awareness, understanding and implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - RELX Group hosted From here to there: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, An Inspiration Day, in partnership with the UN Global Compact UK, the Business and Sustainable Development Commission and the Responsible Media Forum.
Inspiration Day featured keynote speeches from thought leaders on the SDGs including Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact and Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Co-chair of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission. Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre offered her perspective on the arts and the SDGs; Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children on the role for SDGs in international development; and RELX Group business CEOs, Ron Mobed, Elsevier; Mike Walsh, LexisNexis Legal and Professional; and Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions discussed how their businesses are contributing to the SDGs in conversation with broadcaster and journalist, Lucy Siegle.
More than 100 attendees from across business, government and civil society gathered at London’s Southbank Centre to hear from inspiring speakers and participate in sessions aimed to inspire, connect and inform action on the SDGs. The launch demonstrated the power of multiple perspectives on the SDGs and how, through inspiration and collaboration, the SDGs can be advanced. Keynote speeches underlined the urgency of action on the SDGs and the potential of business to play a leading role in delivering progress on the goals.
Watch videos from the Inspiration Day here
Youngsuk “YS” Chi, Director of RELX Corporate Affairs and Chairman of Elsevier: welcome to the Inspiration Day
Jude Kelly CBE, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre: the role of arts in supporting the SDGs
Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact: the call to action to mobilise business behind the SDGs
Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Co-chair of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission: the challenge for government, business and civil society to advance the SDGs
Kevin Watkins, Chief Executive of Save the Children: what the SDGs means for the eradication of poverty and the future of the next generation
RELX Group businesses’ CEO panel hosted by Lucy Siegle: Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions; Ron Mobed, Elsevier; Mike Walsh, LexisNexis Legal & Professional: how RELX Group businesses support the SDGs
Kanika Dewan, Chairperson, Ka Design Atelier / President Bramco Group with a young leader’s perspective on the importance of doing business ethically
RELX Group is committed to contribute to the global discussions given the strategic alignment with the SDGs across the business. Our unique contributions to society include universal, sustainable access to information, advance of science and health, protection of society, promotion of the rule of law and justice and fostering communities.
“Businesses can make a real difference by harnessing their expertise to advance the SDGs,” said Dr. Márcia Balisciano, Director of Corporate Responsibility at RELX Group. “This is the aim of our SDG Resource Centre.”
