The CDP Group's commitment to the promotion of fair and sustainable development
“As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity.” These are the closing words of António Guterres, Secretary General of the UN, in his message on United Nations Day, which takes place every year on 24 October.
The day can be traced back to 1945 when, after the devastation and destruction wrought by Second World War, the international community came together to found the United Nations, with the express purpose of preventing future violent conflicts. 50 governments met in San Francisco on 25 April and began drafting the statute of the newly formed organisation, adopting it on 25 June and ratifying it on 24 October of the same year.
The objectives of the UN include protecting human rights, safeguarding peace and security, assisting disadvantaged countries and promoting fair and sustainable development.
Principles that take on even greater significance today, in the face of both the existing and emerging challenges facing the world. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the most significant recent commitment to the pursuit of these principles. With a programme of action for people, the planet and prosperity, the Agenda encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranging from overcoming poverty and inequality to gender equality, from responsible resource consumption to combating climate change. All actions that UN member states have committed to achieve by 2030.
These objectives also underpin the CDP Group's activities, notably in the light of the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, which has further strengthened its commitment to challenges such as the energy transition, the circular economy, international cooperation and territorial safeguarding.
Furthermore, in 2019 CDP signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to identify joint cooperation programmes and promote projects dedicated specifically to the achievement of the 17 SDGs. The partnership will enable the development of initiatives to promote economic and social growth, combating climate change and poverty in emerging economies and developing countries.
A cross-border commitment that CDP also pursues in its capacity as Italian Financial Institution for Development Cooperation, to support initiatives with a high socioeconomic impact, protecting and promoting respect for human rights in favour of sustainable and inclusive growth and development.