Yara ASA : states its commitment at UN Summit

At the largest UN summit in a decade, all 193 UN member states adopted the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the new 'Agenda 2030', laying out a 15-year plan on how to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet.

'Like many other leading companies, we will seize business opportunities and deliver shared value and true engagement that will contribute to fulfilling the UN's SDGs,' Bente told a gathering at the summit.

'In this regards, our strategic aspiration is to be the leading provider of sustainable crop-nutrition solutions, supporting farmer profitability through knowledge, quality and productivity,' Bente said.

'These are the essential inputs for raising living standards in rural areas and should prove important in eradicating poverty and overcoming inequality in developing countries, two of the key SDGs we have to comply with by 2030,' she added.

More than 160 heads of state and government joined many civil society representatives and high-profile CEOs in New York to discuss important issues with regard to sustainable development and agreed a plan to address common challenges together.

At the heart of a historic, universal and integrated sustainable development agenda - the 'Agenda 2030' - which comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets with indicators to measure progress, that address the most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges of our time.

Integrating sustainable development into corporate strategies

'The potential contribution of business beyond providing jobs and growth is more important than ever. More and more business leaders are integrating sustainable development into corporate strategies and supporting strategic partnerships for development goals', said Natalia Federighi, Yara's Director Public Affairs and Institutional Relations. 'There is a need for different actors to come together to work for the long-term prosperity for all,' she added.

On the sidelines of the UN Summit , Yara's CCO, Bente Slaatten, also met with the Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, and the Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN, H.E. Geir O Pedersen.

Yara's involvement has ensured that agriculture, productivity increase and access to inputs have gained prominence. The Agenda 2030 now includes two SDGs specifically dedicated to agriculture: Ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. Previous targets did not include specific targets for food security. SDG 11 pays particular attention to air quality making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

'Yara is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and we will contribute through our core business in the areas of food security, resource optimization and environment through our innovative solutions, partnerships and knowledge sharing for better business and better environment,' Bente concluded.