#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
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