The Matrix provides industry specific ideas for action and industry specific practical examples for each relevant SDG. It profiles opportunities which companies expect to create value for shareholders as well as for society.

This guide builds on earlier work, in particular, the SDG Compass developed by the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which offers a starting point for companies approaching the SDGs, including resources. This practical guide does not create a new reporting framework. Rather, it outlines a three-step process to embed the SDGs in existing business and reporting processes.

In December 2018, the world celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Two of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact are derived directly from the Universal Declaration. The United Nations Global Compact is advocating for businesses to stand up for human rights, promoting uptake of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Companies and institutional investors are being asked to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their business activities, asset allocation and investment decisions. The SDG investment case tries to answer the question: Why are the SDGs relevant to institutional investors?

This research identifies the potential for increased green bond issuance to support the green investment needs of large global publicly traded companies across all sectors. Comparing companies’ business as usual (BAU) to pathways aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), case studies illustrate how green bonds can support transitions to low-carbon business models.