T H E 1 2 T H U N I T E ECOSYSTEM ENGAGEMENT D N A T I O N S G L O B ENGAGE IN STRATEGIC ADVOCATE FOR STRONGER A L C PARTNERSHIPS SUSTAINABILITY AND O M P RESILIENCE POLICY A Companies are engaging in collaborative C T - A partnerships within their industry, across other To fully live up to their company’s values, CEOs C C E industries, as well as throughout their entire must also take the lead in advocating for policies N T U supply chain. Already 66% of CEOs are engaging that align with their values and encourage R E C 26 in long-term strategic partnerships, with SMEs sustainable development. The majority (87%) E O S engaging in partnerships most to build resilience of CEOs feel they need greater government T U D (69% engage relative to the 62% of large support to build a more resilient business. Yet, in Y companies).27 Richard Wilson, CEO of Physical Risk areas including corruption, climate change, Solutions, explains: “As a SME, the relationships warfare, and refugee crises, where the private we build within our network is key for our sector requires government intervention to make survival and resilience.” meaningful progress, it is equally necessary for business leaders to advocate for what they Businesses also need to increase their believe in to help where governments should engagement with competitors and industry focus their attention. Margaret Michaels, Founder partners to foster a collaborative environment of Ezra Joel Group Corporation, notes, “If we that enables innovation and the sharing of come together, set aside our differences, and ideas, especially when it comes to addressing allow common sense to prevail, we can solve sustainability and building resilience for the the problems we’ve created.” private sector. Companies are recognizing that joint collaboration can unlock unprecedented Often industry consortiums and international value that is not possible when operating in governing bodies like the United Nations can play silos. As South East Water (Australia) Managing an intermediary role, translating business asks to Director, Lara Olsen, says, “Industry associations government officials. Engaging in these forums and partnerships are key for gaining access will allow for more nuanced policy discussions to pockets of innovation.” Mary Barra, General and greater, more effective collaboration. The private Motors’ Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and public sectors must operate in lock step expands, “We can’t make this transition on to build a world where we have a chance at our own. We need to work very closely with achieving the SDGs. governments and policymakers to ensure that we are coming up with solutions that are not just good for the businesses, but also for the people, the country, and the environment.” 26. Defined as companies with less than USD 25 million in annual revenue. 74 27. Defined as companies with greater than USD 1 billion in annual revenue. 75