18/01/2017

Thai Union Joins Businesses Uniting in Bid to Make UK Economy ‘Fit for the Future’ by Backing Sustainable Development

In an open letter to the Prime Minister published today, Thai Union Group joined more than 80 leading companies that united in a call on the Government of the United Kingdom to demonstrate its commitment to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting taking place on 17-20 January in Davos, businesses say they are ready to work with the Government to help deliver the SDGs in the UK as well as internationally, but that the Government must create a framework to help businesses play their part.

The letter is published on the day that the Business and Sustainable Development Commission publishes its own flagship report on the business case for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and quantifying the value of private sector opportunities aligned with the SDGs.

“Thai Union fully understands the responsibility we bear as a leading global company in the seafood industry and we are fully committed to doing whatever we can to help achieve these international goals,” said Dr. Darian McBain, Ph.D., Thai Union’s global director of sustainable development. “As part of our sustainability strategy, SeaChange®, and in line with our commitment to the UN Global Compact, Thai Union identified key SDGs we are working toward to achieve sustained economic growth, ocean stewardship, promotion of human rights and ethical labour practices as well as long-term positive value to society.”

The letter was co-ordinated by UK Stakeholders in Sustainable Development (UKSSD), a non-profit network of businesses, NGOs and academics working to advance sustainable development and help facilitate the delivery of the SDGs in the UK. The UKSSD steering group comprises Bioregional, Good Energy, ICAEW, Neighbourly, Stakeholder Forum, UN Global Compact Network UK and WWF-UK.

“By developing more sustainably, the UK can play an important international leadership role—and UK businesses are natural leaders. This letter to the Prime Minister is a clear signal that businesses stand ready to play their part,” said Tanya Steele, Chief Executive for WWF-UK. “It is time for the Government to heed this call and set out a strong plan that Ministers can translate into action. If governments and businesses work together to achieve the SDGs, they have the power to transform our world and deliver a future in which people and nature thrive.”