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FOCUS: SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability requires a
holistic approach
When Nyamko Sabuni defines sustainability, equity is the guiding
concept. Only when we take a holistic approach globally to the energy
transition, in which social, environmental and economic factors
interact, can society and business become sustainable – for everyone.
Nyamko Sabuni has always viewed sustainability as a key issue. energy and infrastructure systems – without having to go via the
Born a Congolese citizen, in exile in Burundi, her family came fossil fuel solutions that we in the West have been dependent on.
to Sweden as political refugees. Her origins have shaped her But the sustainability issue is also currently shaped by the ongoing
interest in issues of social inclusion, diversity and equity. These are geopolitical turmoil. The global political and media landscape is
important parameters for creating a sustainable business sector and constantly shifting focus, and there are major differences between
society. These issues have also guided her professional and political the abilities of different countries, companies and individuals to make
careers. the transition. Real drive is therefore needed. And that power resides
primarily in the business community.
“I’ve been interested in sustainability my whole life,” says Nyamko
Sabuni. “I’ve witnessed injustice up close, in terms of lack of resourc- “The political sphere is currently too slow and unstable,” says
es and exclusion. As I see it, talking about climate action and environ- Nyamko Sabuni. “In this respect, I see many companies stepping up
mental problems is a luxury we have in the Western world. In many to take the lead and assume responsibility, a development that’s
other parts of the world, sustainability is first and foremost about positive and really necessary.”
the right to a dignified life. I believe that we need to take a holistic
approach to sustainability issues to really address these challenges.” Moreover, the business community’s approach to sustainability is
another key to the transition to a sustainable society.
BRUNTLAND COMMISSION AS THE COMPASS
This perspective was emphasized in the groundbreaking Bruntland “All companies will need to include sustainability in their business
Commission of 1987, in which the UN first defined sustainable strategy and understand that there are benefits to working in this
development. Sustainable development is development that meets way,” says Nyamko Sabuni. “We need to expand knowledge on how
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future to do good business that is also sustainable – both in the business
generations to meet their own needs. And to meet these needs, social, community and in the education system.”
environmental and economic factors must be taken into account.
Truly sustainable companies are
“The Bruntland Commission was perhaps the most crucial milestone created when social, environmental
on the path towards sustainability, as it actually gave us a compass to and economic sustainability becomes
follow,” says Nyamko Sabuni. “After that, I’d like to highlight the UN
Global Compact from 1999, which started talking about how business part of their core business
must also be part of the societal change necessary – not just politics.
Finally, the Paris Agreement, with our joint goal of limiting global FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE CORE BUSINESS
warming to 1.5 degrees, is naturally also crucial to our understanding Nyamko Sabuni herself is well positioned to contribute in this area.
of the action we need to take, now and in the future.” Today, she runs an investment company focused on innovation and
entrepreneurship in East Africa. She is also on a number of boards,
In many parts of the world, including that of Mellby Gård’s subsidiary Kappahl, which has been
sustainability is first and foremost recognized for its work on sustainability.
about the right to a dignified life “Mellby Gård and its subsidiaries are affected by sustainability
issues in the same way as any other company,” she says. “Along with
BUSINESS LEADING THE WAY being subject to a range of legal requirements, companies need to
Today, however, several challenges remain when it comes to establish circular business models, sustainable supply chains and
achieving a sustainable society globally. Further development of better transparency and traceability. I believe that truly sustainable
the energy system is needed to improve access to clean energy, companies are created when social, environmental and economic
and much more funding is required to help developing countries sustainability becomes part of their core business,” concludes
make the transition. This is so that they can move directly to clean Nyamko Sabuni.
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