At the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, newly appointed WBCSD chairman and Unilever CEO, Paul Polman, will join WBCSD President Peter Bakker and other fellow CEO members in promoting the WBCSD’s new Action2020 initiative.
Backed by his recognized leadership in sustainability, Mr. Polman will be a driving force throughout 2014 in the WBCSD’s mission of galvanizing the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. And he has lots to say about Action2020—the WBCSD’s science-based action plan that seeks to engage companies to implement innovative and scalable business solutions and improve the business case for sustainability.
The WBCSD caught up with Mr. Polman before his trip to Davos, to talk to him about the strength and potential of the Action2020 plan.
Why do you think the global business community needs a plan like Action2020?
“Lots of things are happening globally. There are lots of good CEOs out there, lots of good companies. But often these efforts are too diffused or are not moving at the pace that is needed. This is where I think Action2020 can really make a difference. The plan identifies nine societal “must-have” priorities, and translates them practically into business action. It’s a powerful roadmap for business that can really make a difference for this world.”
Are WBCSD member companies showing interest in the Action2020 plan?
“It should be well understood that since the beginning, the Action2020 agenda has been owned and driven by a cross-sectoral group of WBCSD member companies. The plan is now in their hands to focus on those areas that are relevant for their business, where they can have a tangible impact. With the forward-thinking members that we increasingly have represented in the WBCSD, we will be able to move the boundaries on some of the discussions in a more positive way than otherwise would have happened.
Don’t forget either that in our current climate, where it’s difficult for individuals even at the political level to do things, providing sometimes a reassurance or an encouragement which WBCSD members can do, often gives others the possibility to move things forward, and I’ve seen that in many areas we are currently working.”
What are the next steps needed for Action2020 to produce results?
“Action2020 must be as robust and authoritative as possible, so that the WBCSD and its members can truly lead the business world towards our vision – that by 2050, we live in a world where nine billion people live well and within the limits of the planet.”
- CBCSD and Members Participated and Suggested on the Project for Technical Regulation on Low-carbon Pilot Community
- CBCSD and Members Participated in the APEC Cooperation Network Construction Forum of Green Supply Chain
- Calculation Method of CO2 Emissions in Petroleum and Natural Gas Exploitation Enterprises & Calculation Method of CO2 Emissions in Water Network of Chemical Enterprises
- CBCSD Attended the Workshop for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development and Delivered Introductions
- WBCSD: Tackling the Challenge, How to Make Informed Choices on Forest Product?
- The National New-Type Urbanization Plan Released, Board Members of CBCSD Help the Sustainable Development of Cities
- Board members of CBCSD Actively Participated in the Carbon Trading and International Climate Change Process
- Two industrial Standards Compiled by CBCSD Passed Examination
- Widespread Use of the Achievements Businesses Energy Saving and Greenhouse Gas Management
- CBCSD held Chemical industry enterprise value chain (range 3) greenhouse gas emissions, accounting and reporting guidelines
