#04 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

#04 – ISO/UNDP Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals - ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024

In the previous write-ups, readers were introduced to the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 document, covering its purpose, an overview of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of achieving these goals, a holistic approach to sustainable development, the foundational concept of the PDCA cycle, as well as the scope, normative references, and terms and definitions related to the guidelines document. In this write-up, we will discuss the guidelines mentioned in Clause 4 of the document.

Understanding the Overall Context of the Organization and Related Issues

Clause 4 of ISO/UNDP PAS 53002:2024 provides guidance for understanding the external and internal issues, as well as the overall context of the organization.

Understanding an organization's context and its internal and external issues enables it to identify risks and opportunities that could arise from the environment in which it operates, facilitating better decision-making. This comprehension also aids organizations in complying with applicable statutory and regulatory obligations, thus protecting them from legal and financial liabilities. Additionally, it ensures that the organization's health and safety management plan is both relevant and practical.

When determining how to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organizations should consider and assess external and internal issues that may affect their ability to do so. These issues can be categorized as follows:

External Issues may include global, national, regional, and local sustainable development trends, priorities, and strategies. Examples include:

·       Global Trends: Climate change impacts (e.g., international agreements like the Paris Agreement), global biodiversity loss, and ecosystem preservation initiatives; corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards in global supply chains.

·       National Priorities: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), national clean energy policies like the promotion of solar energy (International Solar Alliance).

·       Regional Trends: Regional water management strategies in areas prone to droughts or floods (e.g., regional water conservation efforts in Rajasthan); regional industrial policies promoting green technologies.

·       Government Initiatives: Initiatives supporting SDG alignment (e.g., "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan").

·       Local Priorities: City-level sustainable development plans (e.g., smart cities and waste management projects); local environmental protection or afforestation programs; employment schemes supporting community development (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).

·       Other Factors: Cultural, demographic, ethical, political, legal, regulatory, financial, technological, natural, and competitive factors at global, national, regional, or local levels.

Internal Issues may include organizational identity, governance, organizational structure, and other internal factors. For example:

·       Organizational Identity: An organization recognized for innovation in renewable energy solutions, such as Green Ops focusing on solar projects or Suzlon Energy focusing on wind power, or a manufacturing organization committed to sustainability as a core value.

·       Governance: A transparent governance structure with clear sustainability goals and accountability, e.g., a board-level committee focusing on environmental and social governance (ESG) issues.

·       Organizational Structure: This could be a centralized structure with regional offices implementing SDG-related initiatives or a centralized structure with a dedicated sustainability department focusing on SDG-related initiatives.

·       Other Internal Factors: Organizational policies, resources (including people, finance, facilities, and equipment), size, maturity level, sector, location, value chain, business relationships, products and services, past sustainable development performance, business model, and management systems implemented.

Every organization has various stakeholders, referred to as interested parties. Their needs and expectations are crucial in determining relevant issues. Organizations should ensure that the needs and expectations of these parties are considered when determining significant issues and their relative importance. Available evidence and relevant scientific data from reliable sources, including government, scientific, and civil society organizations, should be taken into account. Detailed guidance on interested parties is provided in Clause 5 of the PAS document. Examples of interested parties and their expectations include:

·       Customers/Clients: Expect sustainable products and responsible sourcing.

·       Employees: Seek ethical work environments with sustainable practices.

·       Shareholders/Investors: Interested in long-term profitability aligned with ESG criteria.

·       Local Communities: Impacted by the organization's operations (e.g., community development programs).

·       Government Bodies: Overseeing compliance with environmental and social regulations.

Organizations must remain aware of both external and internal issues, as well as the evolving needs and expectations of interested parties. Regular reviews of these factors are essential.

Organizations should maintain documented information regarding their external and internal issues and assess how these issues affect the organization and its interested parties.

More updates and write-ups will follow.

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal