Sustainable Development
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability has three pillars: economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
Why is sustainable development important?
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) that were adopted by ALL the United Nations Member States in 2015. It’s a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDG’s are integrated and recognize that action in one area affects outcomes in others. Through the pledge to LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND, member countries (including the United States of America), have committed to fast-track progress for those who are the furthest behind.
How does sustainability accelerate business growth?
Sustainability is more than just a corporate buzzword. In fact, research shows that sustainable business often translates into higher profits and wider customer appeal! Sustainable development has to do with achieving the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. According to SDG Compass, companies can use the SDGs as an overarching framework to shape, steer, communicate and report their strategies, goals, and activities, allowing them to capitalize on a range of benefits such as:
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Identifying future business opportunities
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Reaping the economic benefits from becoming more efficient
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Strengthening stakeholder relations and keeping the pace with policy developments
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Stabilizing markets and societies
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Using a common language and shared purpose
Why has the Trade Center of the Americas prioritized sustainable development?
The Trade Center of the Americas believes that the sustainable development goals are central in carrying out our mission of improving trade across North, Central and South America and providing economic opportunities for communities of color, indigenous and women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small to medium sized businesses. Given this mission, we have selected the 4 SDGS that you see on left to focus our efforts on. The services that we provide are part of a comprehensive effort encompassing the business, cultural, and technical components of international trade on a micro-scale.