The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations member states in 2015 are a clear international acknowledgement of a shared responsibility for economic, environmental and social development. They outline a roadmap for a sustainable future, aiming to improve the lives of all and preserve the world’s resources for future generations. The SDGs are a mission statement not just for the public sector but for all actors, from governments to private companies, working together.
Ten years after the 2030 Agenda was approved, commitment to implementing the SDGs is more important than ever. Wars, conflicts and geopolitical crises have resulted in progress backsliding in many parts of the world. We have five years left to take decisive steps forward together. This will especially require the private sector to deliver: without its capacity for innovation and active engagement, the global sustainability goals cannot be achieved.
The role of the private sector is particularly vital in developing and emerging market countries, where it acts as an engine for innovation, employment and sustainable growth.
In these markets, DEG is actively contributing to the achievement of these global goals through the wide range of support it offers private companies – from financing and expertise to networks and advice. Our portfolio companies make a major contribution to the SDGs, particularly in gender equality (SDG 5), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and climate action (SDG 13).
We firmly believe that this can only succeed through joint commitment and in collaboration with innovative private companies.
Business sustainability management is proven to strengthen companies’ resilience and performance. The impacts of climate change, the need to secure supply chains, and the changes and upheaval we are seeing in geopolitics are among the biggest challenges confronting businesses around the world today.
These challenges are the reason why our transformation financing and advice are in such high demand – to finance credit lines for environmental and climate projects, for example, or to enable education and training provision in the workforce.
In this context, the Development Effectiveness Rating (DERa), which DEG uses to measure its impact, has been updated in order to better capture the transformation support DEG provides and to encourage further efforts. This Development Report is based on that data.
We are and will remain a reliable partner and driving force. Together with our customers and partners, we will continue the journey towards transformative, sustainable and resilient economic development. We hope you will find this report informative.
DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
Kämmergasse 22, 50676 Cologne, Germany
Phone +49 (0)221 4986-0