About the project
The project aims to create, disseminate and apply knowledge and best practices related to CSR and offer an innovative set of conceptual frameworks and strategic thinking aimed at capacity building and value propositions within SMEs, start-ups and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China. The focus is on strengthening sustainable development and green entrepreneurship that is closely aligned with the global SDG agenda, and will stimulate the companies’ involvement with the SDG agenda. We understand Green Entrepreneurship (GE) as business startups that are able to make or offer a product, service, or process that benefits the ecological and social environment on sustainable basis. In addition to SMEs and start-ups, the project will focus on a selected group of SOEs with the aim of stimulating them to get more closely involved with the SDG agenda.
Objectives and outcomes
The goal will be to ensure that SOEs align their core business strategy with SDG-related objectives. The key deliverables of the project include:
- Structured knowledge and innovate conceptual frameworks on sustainable development that concretely link the CSR with SDG agendas
- Networking for increased Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
- Promoting policy dialogue on sustainable development as part of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative
- Unlock new opportunities and provide guidance to businesses
Background
In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched to combat the massive economic, social and environmental challenges that our planet faces. The goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries, rick and middle-income, to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They also call for increased involvement from the private sector, recognizing that ending poverty much go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. Behind every social and economic problem lies opportunities for business, and while governments worldwide have agreed to the goals, it is now time for business to take action.
Financing
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs