Media cooperation, particularly among BRICS+ countries, is essential for raising awareness and achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), participants said at a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The session, moderated by TV BRICS Chairman Ivan Polyakov, was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate initiative for engaging businesses in achieving the SDGs. Panelists agreed on the need to raise awareness of the 2030 Agenda and create a multipolar media space for sustainable development.
Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, said the SDGs are unattainable without the participation of business. She recalled that companies from 160 countries that share principles of responsibility, human rights, and environmental protection have joined the compact.
“The SDGs are focused on the 2030 horizon. But sustainable development, as a model of economic and social development for humanity, will not end by that time,” Valovaya said. “On the contrary, our task is to make every effort now not only to achieve the goals set, but also to rethink our mentality, economic and social policies during this period so that beyond the 2030 horizon, humanity will continue on the path of sustainable development.”
Natalia Dorpeko, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Russia, highlighted the need to disseminate information about the contributions of states and businesses to achieving the goals.
“If there were greater awareness of what each country is doing, what businesses are doing, and what contribution experts, science and education are making to the sustainable development agenda, this would allow us to form new partnerships, create platforms and integrate successes and experience,” the expert emphasised.
Igor Korotetsky, a partner at the audit and consulting company Kept, said insufficient promotion of the 2030 Agenda by governments, businesses, and even the UN was slowing progress. “In this sense, the media is one of the most important communication tools,” Korotetsky added.
Hector Isidro Arenas Neira, Ambassador of Colombia to the Russian Federation, recalled that his country first initiated the formulation of sustainable development goals. He said constant dialogue between the state, business and society, which the Global Compact facilitates, is important to overcome global challenges like the climate crisis.
Russian business representatives affirmed their commitment to the SDGs. Elena Feoktistova of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) said Russian business continues to implement principles of responsible conduct. Irina Bakhtina, Chief Sustainability Officer at RUSAL, noted that the company has published sustainability reports for 20 years. Zakhar Azarov, an advisor at “Severstal,” added that the company is deepening partnerships with BRICS countries to transfer successful social and environmental practices.
Vyacheslav Fetisov, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma’s Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, also emphasised the growing responsibility of business and the importance of raising environmental awareness.
Reflecting the session’s theme, TV BRICS and the UN Global Compact Network Russia signed a media partnership agreement at SPIEF. The parties agreed to cooperate on promoting sustainable development and social responsibility through joint information, cultural, and educational projects.
