More than 80 Commissioners from leading organizations pledge to raise ambition, take action and deepen corporate accountability for inclusive and fair markets and a just transition.
Geneva, 23 April 2024: of Business Commission to Address Inequality BCTI announced today that three UN agencies (UN Global Compact, UNICEF and UNHCR) and more than 80 chief executives from leading companies and civil society organisations have joined the effort to put people at the centre of a just transition and make social accountability a reality in markets.
The extension of the Business Tackling Inequality Committee for another two years gives us the opportunity to continue working together to build fairer societies and realise the Sustainable Development Goals' slogan: “Leave no one behind”. The UN Global Compact is working with companies to tackle inequalities, ensure that all workers receive a minimum wage, promote gender equality and work towards a just transition. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow committee members to contribute to achieving the SDGs' vision of fair, equitable and sustainable development.
– Sanda Ojiambo, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact
World leaders agree on the need for a fair and just transition. The high level and structural nature of inequality in the world poses systemic risks that pose existential threats to societies and economies. For this effort to be successful, the private sector must play a key role, with bottom-line business benefits.
“The speed of technological development, combined with the global prioritization of climate action, is rapidly accelerating the transformation of jobs and skills.” Jonas Preising, Chairman and CEO, ManpowerGroup“We are pleased to support WBCSD and BCTI in their efforts to ensure a just transition that puts people first. We all have an obligation and opportunity to be a driver of positive change, and BCTI's Addressing Inequalities Action Plan continues to provide a roadmap to ensure that no one is left behind in an increasingly green and digital world of work.”
Building on it Action plan to tackle inequality Building on the report, which will be published in May 2023, the Commission's focus over the next two years will be on promoting business action across priority issues such as human rights, just transition, diversity and inclusion, and living wages and incomes.
By extending the Business Tackling Inequality Commission for a further two years, we are doubled down on urgent and transformative work. Tackling inequality is our responsibility, but it also provides an opportunity for positive change. Through shared action, accountability and ambition, business can drive a more just and equal world. Together, we are committed to harnessing our Action Plan to Tackle Inequality and breaking down silos.
– Peter Bakker, WBCSD President and CEO
A collaborative approach is essential to building more inclusive and fair societies and markets, where everyone thrives and no one is left behind. BCTI plays a key role in bringing social issues to boardrooms and putting people at the heart of business. We are excited to join forces with the United Nations, civil society leaders and other corporate leaders in the sustainability space to translate BCTI's action plan into real results on the ground.
– Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo and Chairman of WBCSD
The BCTI is designed to act as an accelerator for the 2030 Agenda, leveraging UN General Assembly week in 2024 and 2025 as a key roundtable ahead of COP30 in Brazil. During this time, Business Commission members, who currently include 55 business leaders and 28 non-private sector leaders, will mobilize efforts to transform their own organizations and value chains and address market-level barriers. Success will be measured in tangible deliverables against the BCTI's action agenda, which includes urgent priorities such as human rights, diversity and inclusion, living wages and incomes, and a just transition.
We need business leaders from all sectors to put respect for people's rights, dignity and opportunities at the heart of their work, as well as their climate and nature commitments. We cannot achieve a sustainable energy transition or nature-friendly goals without tackling inequality and poverty. The Business Tackling Inequality Commission's work provides a unique platform to grow the number and influence of leading companies that are integrating climate, nature and equity risks and opportunities into their corporate governance, business strategy, operations and value chains.
– Jane Nelson, Founding Director of the Corporate Responsibility Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School
