Global Compact Network has challenged the private sector to accelerate action at the pace and scale needed to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

This is after it emerged that only 15 percent of all SDGs are on track, just six years away from the set deadline.

Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino said that transformative actions are needed in key sectors touching on food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution to create a catalytic and multiplier effect across the SDGs

The private sector has been touted a critical stakeholder in achieving the SDGs as it holds significant market, financial and operational resources necessary to drive large scale initiatives to address global challenges presented by the goals.

“At the halfway mark, only 15 percent of all SDGs are on track and therefore there is need to stretch our ambitions as we race to the 2030 deadline” said Njino.

The 2030 agenda for SDGs was adopted in 2015 and embodies the development blueprint for the world.

Kenya has six years to achieve its commitment to SDGs, hence, a need to double its efforts.

According to SDGs Kenya forum, the country is on track towards attainment of two SDGs that is responsible consumption and production and climate action.

SDG goals that have been moderately achieved are; Quality Education, Gender Equality, Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure and Life Below Water.

Equally, goals that are not progressing fast enough include; No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Life on Land and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Njino was speaking as Global Compact Network Kenya welcomed Sanlam Kenya to the UN Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.

Sanlam, joins over 23,000 leading companies in 162 countries who have aligned their business strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.

Sanlam also joins the Kenya Network which is the largest network in Africa and Middle East regions with over 300 signatories to the UN Global Compact and over 800 others signed up to our local Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya.

“Sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement and by joining the UN Global Compact reaffirms Sanlam Kenya’s commitment in advancing sustainable business practices through partnerships that promote financial inclusion to help advance the achievement of the SDG goals as we work together towards a common purpose and a common future”, said Sanlam Kenya Group Chief Executive Officer Patrick Tumbo.