PwC looked at the corporate and sustainability reporting of over 700 listed companies across 21 countries and six sectors, to test the integration of the SDGs into business strategy, planning and reporting.

The firm says the findings suggest that despite the SDGs being part of global business conversations for over three years, and a significant number of companies pledging a commitment to the goals, there remains a gap between companies’ expressed intentions and their ability to embed the SDGs into actual business strategy and report on it.

Of the companies in the study, 72% mention the SDGs; the majority (60%) in their sustainability reports rather than in main financial or integrated reports and half (50%) of companies have identified priority SDGs.

However, only 28% disclose meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the goals and just 19% of CEO or chair statements in annual reports mention the SDGs.

Louise Scott, global sustainable development goals lead at PwC, said: ‘While there is a clear appetite for embracing the SDGs, many organisations still lack the strategy, tools and culture needed to transform those commitments into tangible business actions.’

The SDGs were adopted in 2015, encompassing 17 goals and associated targets and indicators designed to provide a roadmap to help organisations navigate major environmental, social and economic challenges.

PwC’s research found no change in the priority goals identified as most important, with 79% citing decent work and economic growth as critical (SDG8), followed by climate action (SDG13) (67%), and responsible consumption and production (SDG12) (66%).

From promise to reality: Does business really care about the SDGs? is here

Report by Pat Sweet