SEED side-event at UN High-Level Political Forum 2018
Honouring the Role of Eco-inclusive Enterprises for the SDGs
a SEED side event co-organized by South Africa and Germany, in partnership with UN Environment, UNDP, IUCN
16th July 2018
The involvement of the private sector is instrumental to realize a global transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies. Still, we underestimate the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises/SMEs who already provide practical approaches to secure water and sanitation for all (SDG 6), to ensure affordable and sustainable energy (SDG 7), and to develop inclusive, sustainable cities and settlements (SDG 11). With their sustainable production patterns (SDG 12) these enterprises successfully protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems around the world (SDG 15).
This side event highlighted the important contributions of innovative eco-inclusive SMEs to sustainable and resilient societies, and especially to ensuring affordable and sustainable energy (SDG 7). SMEs deliver visible impacts on local communities created through valuable partnerships in response to urgent sustainability challenges. In an innovative format, we developed ideas on how to better mainstream the promising business models of eco-inclusive SMEs into the global platform of programmes and measures that implement the SDG achievement.
The announcement of the 2018 SEED Low-Carbon Award Winners (sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety/International Climate Initiative) also showcased innovative business models demonstrating the capacity of SMEs to deliver solutions the global community is looking for, especially in support of SDG 7. A number of SEED Low-Carbon Award Winners combine climate-smart technologies with groundbreaking revenue models to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. During the coming months, the SEED Low-Carbon Award Winners will be supported by SEED through the International Climate Initiative to scale their operations and provide replicable business cases that can be established by peers all around the world.
SEED invites supporters of eco-inclusive entrepreneurship to celebrate the success stories of this year's winners, and learn about how they are leading the transition to a green, low-carbon economy.
Amazóniko offers a collaborative recycling WebApp that incentivises users to recycle through a collection service and rewards scheme. The enterprise helps to formalise recyclables collection in association with workers groups and provides sustainable employment to the waste management sector. Read More
Corporación Acción Semilla collects organic waste from its foodservice industry and landscaping services clients and converts the waste into fertilizer for agricultural activities at local smallholder farms. The enterprise charges clients a fee for its services and earns profits from the sale of crops and plants. Read More
Daily Dump is a brand, a service and a set of products and stories of new habits that enable urban households, communities, and businesses to separate and compost their waste; and become more conscious and responsible for resource consumption and disposal in a decentralised manner. Read More
EcoAct uses environmentally friendly, energy-efficient plastic extrusion to upcycle plastic waste into durable, affordable plastic timber for construction. The enterprise mitigates climate change not only by reducing plastic pollution but also by reducing wood dependence and deforestation. Read More
Khainza produces high-purity methane from organic waste obtained from farms and households and distributes it in affordable, recyclable cylinders along with cooking appliances. Khainza incorporates local women, farmers and youth along its distribution channels, creating value for consumers as well as local communities. Read More
Download the official Press Release here.
Related SDGs
