Associations are uniquely positioned to directly impact sustainability through their own operations and business practices, whilst also amplifying the positive impact of their members. Furthermore, they are well positioned to help advance many of these issues and goals outlined by the United Nations’s SDGs by activating the collective power, knowledge and experience of their members, member companies and affiliated organisations.

Here’s how our association sustainability strategy works:

Capacity-building & education

Continuing professional development, accreditation programmes, and industry-wide standards are at the heart of most professional and trade associations. These initiatives focusing on skill-building, competencies and on-going training can be a critical tool in addressing sustainability challenges.

Best practices and quality assurance

Many associations are developing specific certification programmes to address and promote sustainable practices in their industry, sector, or profession.

Technical standards & specifications

Through codes, standards, guidelines and specifications, associations can help individual members and member companies understand and improve the practical implications of key sustainability issues. These measures also underwrite and stimulate best sustainable practices.

Benchmarking & research

Associations can conduct and publish research that encourages members and customers to reach the highest levels of performance – and also holds them accountable. Benchmarking reports are an effective tool to help monitor and measure continuous improvement and traction toward the SDGs.

Information & knowledge sharing

Associations already help members, member companies and other stakeholders – including government agencies – stay abreast of the latest trends and innovate. They sometimes choose to focus enhanced knowledge-sharing around specific SDGs, including providing practical tools, examples, and case studies.

Code of conduct

Ethical standards, codes of conduct and operating principles are a foundational element of professional and trade associations. They can be used to help implement best sustainable practices among members, customers and the entire industry or profession.

Advocacy & public affairs

Associations play a strong role as a trusted and representative voice of their industry or profession. The collective voice of members and customers caninfluence governments and policy development toward effective change that advances the SDGs

Partnerships & affiliations

One of the most impactful ways associations can address the long-term goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is by forming partnerships with relevant organisations, agencies and institutions to accelerate change and tackle specific challenges.