The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has been working with member companies to formulate business solutions to address sustainability issues for over 25 years. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a part of WBCSD’s approach to developing business solutions. WBCSD aims to achieve systems transformation through six key programs, including circular economy, cities and mobility, climate and energy, food and nature, people, and redefining value.

WBCSD’s agenda for business, Vision 2050, establishes a pathway to achieve its vision ‘to create a world where more than 9 billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.’ As new global issues arise, like the COVID-19 pandemic, WBCSD has readdressed its formal plan for 2050 to include how businesses can respond sustainably to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help fulfil its vision, WBCSD executed a roadmap of business actions and solutions in the form of Action 2020. Action 2020 is a set of priorities based on demographic, environmental and development trends. Producing business solutions, Action 2020 is based on nine priority areas, known as the ‘Societal Must-Haves’; climate change, release of nutrient elements, ecosystems, exposure to harmful substances, water, basic needs and rights, skills and employment, sustainable lifestyles and food, feed, fibre and biofuels. These must-haves can only be reached through collaboration between government, business and society at large.

Additionally, WBCSD undertakes sector specific projects, such as the Chemicals Group, Forest Solutions Group, Global Agribusiness Alliance and the Tire Industry Project. The Forest Solutions Group, for example, is a collaborative project whereby members contribute and share business solutions and report annually on key performance indicators to measure progress towards achieving a sustainable forest sector. Networking opportunities are also offered for their members through various hubs, including LEAP, an education program building on the WBCSD’s Leading Women Awards.

Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world by making more sustainable businesses more successful.

WBCSD’s member companies, coming from all business sectors and all major economies represent WBCSD’s primary source of revenue.