Large Companies in Action for the SDGs
Key Insights from Our Recent Study in Mauritius, Reunion Island, and Madagascar
Our recent study, conducted with Sustainability Managers from leading companies across Mauritius, Reunion Island, and Madagascar, highlights the active role large companies in the Indian Ocean region are playing in developing partnerships with institutions, NGOs, and other businesses to contribute to the realization of the SDGs.
8 October 2024
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At Analysis, we are committed to working closely with local and regional businesses and institutions to support their efforts towards sustainable development. Through regular studies and insightful analyses, Analysis, an affiliate of Kantar, provides concrete support to help companies and institutions structure, develop, and achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dynamic and Diverse Partnerships
The study reveals a strong commitment to the SDGs, primarily through strategic partnerships. These companies have demonstrated a true momentum by engaging in collaborations with local associations, public authorities, and other firms within their sectors. This mobilization, though still rooted in local networks, serves as a key driver to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. This dynamic is well illustrated in the Journal des Archipels’ special edition on the SDGs.
Exemplary Mobilization by Large Companies
The findings show that 91% of the companies surveyed have already established partnerships to contribute to the SDGs, with an average of 8 to 9 active partnerships per company. These collaborations mainly focus on causes such as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and professional inclusion. This diversity of engagement highlights the ongoing efforts by companies to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges they face.
Key Areas of Collaboration
NGOs play a central role in these initiatives: 68% of companies report collaborating with at least one NGO, 55% with local or national authorities, and 53% with businesses from other sectors. These partnerships strengthen synergies between the private sector and public authorities, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable development.
In which areas has your organization established partnerships with associations, or plans to do so?
Innovation-Driven Partnerships
Companies view these partnerships as an opportunity to innovate, strengthen their brand image, and boost employee engagement. By sharing resources, expertise, and funding, they empower associations to carry out projects that serve the greater good while also contributing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. Local initiatives create immediate, tangible impacts on communities, but expanding these efforts to a regional scale could amplify their effects.
Inclusion of Small Businesses: A Crucial Step
While the commitment of large companies is evident, it is crucial to highlight that smaller businesses are often left out of these initiatives. These companies, often lacking the necessary human and organizational resources, struggle to engage in structured SDG partnerships. However, their inclusion is critical to accelerating sustainable development in the region.
Presentation of the Study, by Nathalie Job, during the Indian OceanODD Forum organised by Journal des Archipels on 27th September 2024.
