The 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in late September was a pivotal event that addressed critical global issues and set the stage for future international cooperation.
Held in New York City, the week featured hundreds of meetings and summits, including the main event where almost 200 heads of state gathered to discuss the world agenda. Other events, focusing on the private sector, included the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals Summit USA, the Leaders Summit, and the WFSGI (World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry) working group meeting.
We were honored to participate; Anne Larilahti, VP Sustainability, represented Amer Sports in the official delegation of Finland led by the President of Finland Alexander Stubb, and Nikki De La Cruz, Global Sustainability Director at Wilson, participated via UN Global Compact USA. Although we mostly attended different events, we could only participate in a small fraction of what was available.
Our key highlights of the United Nations events:
Urgent action needed: With only 17% of the United Nations SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) targets on track, and one-third moving in the wrong direction, leaders called for immediate and transformative actions to address setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, and climate change.
All stakeholders must participate in finding solutions, and this year, the rhetoric of the powerful role of the private sector was stronger than ever. Hopefully this means that companies’ views are taken into consideration in global decision-making, but also that regulations will remain strict since voluntary action has not been enough.
Inclusive growth: The events emphasized inclusive economic growth, with discussions on enhancing social justice and reducing inequalities. We have many initiatives across Amer Sports to tackle our carbon emissions and embrace circularity—both challenging topics—but we cannot work on them without considering the impact on people. Producing fewer products can be good for the environment, but it negatively affects people working in factories and elsewhere in our supply chain.
Practical and realistic approaches: The focus of the week was on developing achievable and practical climate solutions, moving away from lofty but unattainable goals. It’s time to walk more than talk.
Corporate transparency: Companies were encouraged to embrace transparent reporting about their climate commitments, showcasing how impactful climate action can drive business success.
Transformational governance: Transformational governance is a prism through which businesses can broaden their understanding of the “G” in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). We need an expanded vision and ambition for governance that impacts both companies and society. Businesses were challenged to embrace a more holistic approach that ensures they consider wider society in their efforts.
Future generations: The week also focused on the needs of future generations, with discussions on sustainable development, digital cooperation, and gender and youth empowerment. When youth was discussed, they were also represented on the podiums—a landmark this year.
Financing: We need companies to align their investments with the SDGs and involve public-private partnerships to the same goal.
The industry continues to fight against physical inactivity
We also joined the WFSGI’s Physical Activity working group meeting during the week. It was inspiring to meet everyone in person and have pragmatic discussions on how to tackle the growing physical inactivity crisis together.
The problem:
According to WHO data, 31% of adults and 81% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity to maintain good health. By 2030, physical inactivity in adults is expected to rise to 35%, leading to 500 million more people developing chronic health conditions. This will have an economic cost of USD 300 Billion.
The solution:
In June, Amer Sports joined the industry through WFSGI in a statement calling for action to address the inactivity crisis. This first industry-led movement sets competitive differences aside to give sport and physical activity a voice and make a difference as a strong group of sporting goods companies. WFSGI is also working on the topic with influential organizations such as WHO, WEF, and UNESCO.
The WFSGI statement included four key commitments, which were further developed in the New York meeting:
- Raise awareness of the physical activity crisis
- Support people to lead more physically active lives
- Leverage the power of major sporting events
- Create partnerships within the business community and across sectors
We are looking forward to being part of the next steps of this collaboration to make a difference and elevate the world through sport.
Authors
Anne Larilahti
As Vice President Sustainability, and a member of the Amer Sports Executive Board, Anne leads the implementation of Amer Sports’ sustainability strategy and reporting.
Nikki De La Cruz
As Global Sustainability Director for Wilson Sporting Goods, Nikki drives Wilson’s environmental sustainability strategy and initiatives.
