The business case for alignment with the MDGs

Aligning with the MDGs and poverty alleviation can contribute positively to your company, financially and socially, in a number of ways:

• Improved supply chain
  Gain new efficiencies by reviewing and restructuring your supply chain. Up-skill local staff and increase sourcing from local suppliers to reduce overall cost of operations.
  
• New marketplace opportunities
  Provide affordable products and services that meet the needs of the four billion people at the "base of the pyramid". This group potentially represents a multi-million dollar market for companies with the creativity, agility, and innovation to serve them in a low-cost but profitable way.
  
• Become an employer of choice
  According to a recent Hays recruitment survey, "72% of Generation Y will not apply for a role with an organisation if they do not believe in what it stands for". Companies with strong and consistent corporate values will have a competitive edge in attracting the best talent.
  
• Improved corporate culture
  Progressive companies strive to create a corporate 'soul' as part of their distinctive identity that attracts and retains quality employees. Involvement in poverty alleviation gives a company a higher purpose beyond making money and maximising returns for shareholders.
  
• Staff retention and morale
  Staff surveys reveal that engagement with poverty relief can help increase staff morale and enjoyment in the workplace.
  
• Improved investor relations
  Shareholders increasingly expect their return on investment to be achieved in an environmental and socially sustainable manner. This is especially the case for superannuation funds. Thirty six asset owners and investment managers in Australia have already signed the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) including Australian Super, ARIA, Cbus, Hesta Super, AMP Capital Investors and BT Financial Group. Developing and reporting initiatives against the MDGs gives your investors confidence you are growing your business in a socially responsible manner.
  
• Global corporate reputation
  Best practice companies enhance their reputation when their business activities are consistent with the MDGs. They adhere to international labour standards, human rights standards and high corporate ethics, which address child labour, women in the workforce, diversity and issues of corruption.
  
• Increased licence to operate
  A reputation for being responsible and trustworthy contributes to the long-term business success of any enterprise. Responsible practice in local supply chains, environmental performance, and staff management can go a long way to earning and maintaining a licence to operate.
  
• Personal motivation
  Personal engagement with poverty relief also gives business leaders the opportunity to become role models for emerging markets and turn their lifelong achievements into legacies.