According to the Better Business Better World report by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, achieving the Global Goals could open up an estimated US$12 trillion in market opportunities in four economic systems: food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and well-being. They represent around 60 percent of the real economy and are critical to delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of an effort to raise sustainability standards within Asia’s hospitality industry, Marina Bay Sands has partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature in Singapore (WWF). Together, they will focus on seafood and ocean conservation with goals including positive initiatives in Responsible Seafood, Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs), and Enhanced Green Meeting Packages.
“When the money came through my phone via M-Pesa[1], I was sure it was a mistake! I was sure someone had erroneously sent me money. So I waited for the sender to call me and demand that I return the money,” Jacinta Mutuse, a farmer from Wote, Makueni County, Kenya, narrates. She had just received about KES 900 (USD 9) on her mobile phone as a payout through the Replanting Guarantee Maize Insurance Product (RPG). The RPG is an index product which covers the risk of poor rainfall during the crops’ germination phase that necessitates replanting.
Shortly after joining Marina Bay Sands in June 2014, Seah Beng Tat, Senior Guest Service Agent, signed up for his first Sands for Singapore volunteer opportunity. He recalled the event, where Team Members assisted children with dyslexia, as a memorable and motivational experience. Since then, Beng Tat has been an avid volunteer with Sands for Singapore, participating in numerous events over the past three years and making him one of the top 10 volunteers for the community event. His efforts go beyond Marina Bay Sands – during his own free time, he also helps out with the elderly and handicapped.
Looking for a change, Jameel Milligan, age 36, moved from Philadelphia to Las Vegas. He was certain he’d have no problem finding a job at one of the many resorts. However, with certain permits taking over 19 weeks to obtain for most casino workers, Milligan found himself in a situation he didn’t expect – homeless and unable to work.
The SDGs represent an unprecedented global consensus to align our efforts for the next 13 years on a comprehensive and ambitious development agenda for people and the planet. This level of ambition now needs to be matched with the necessary resources, innovation capacity and partnerships to drive implementation.