A Business Case for Sustainability

How the SDG Challenge helps to drive sustainable economic growth for Miami

As we envision the Miami of 2040, we must first turn to today's youth looking to tackle the climate crisis. This next generation must connect with local leaders and entrepreneurs to achieve our region’s goal of carbon neutrality by the following decade. 

Miami’s youth is already on that track. 

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council partnered with Accountable Impact last week to host the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and its student competition, the SDG Challenge Miami 2024. 

“In its second edition, the SDG Challenge has convened members from private, public, nonprofit, academia, and media industries to accelerate the SDGs in South Florida,” said Scarlett Lanzas, Founder and CEO of Accountable Impact. 

The SDG Challenge Miami 2024 was undeniably successful, marking a transformative moment in Miami-Dade's commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. The event brought together leading companies, students, and sustainability advocates to showcase Miami as a pioneer in aligning economic prosperity with environmental and social responsibility.

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, through Opportunity Miami, continues to lead the charge in creating a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the region. The SDG Challenge Miami 2024 reinforced that sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but complementary forces that can drive a brighter future for all.

A Business Case for Sustainability: Insights from SDG Challenge Miami 2024

This year’s SDG Challenge reflected a global awakening among businesses that sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. According to the UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study, 93% of CEOs identified sustainability as critical to their company’s future success. Moreover, 80% of business leaders saw it as a competitive advantage, and 78% saw it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

At the heart of the SDG Challenge Miami 2024 there were three key objectives: integrating the SDGs into business strategies to future-proof companies; investing in the next generation of leaders committed to advancing the SDGs; earning recognition as a model for social and environmental responsibility.

Rodrick Miller, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, praised the success of the event and extended his gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable future.

"We are honored to host the 2024 SDG Challenge Miami, as it showcases the innovation and leadership within our business community," he said. "The businesses and students who participated have shown us what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose of aligning economic growth with sustainability."

Miller invited all attendees to continue the momentum created by the challenge, reiterating that Miami-Dade is uniquely positioned to lead on the global stage through its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Shaping Miami-Dade's Sustainable Economic Future

Throughout 2024, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Opportunity Miami have worked tirelessly to embed sustainable practices into the region’s economic fabric. This year’s SDG Challenge was a crucial platform for demonstrating how businesses can thrive by adopting forward-thinking strategies that prioritize profitability and social responsibility.

The SDG Challenge Miami 2024 proved once again that Miami-Dade is not only ready to take on future challenges but is already leading the way. The Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Opportunity Miami remain committed to driving sustainable growth and empowering businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. As we look ahead, we invite all local and global leaders to join us on this journey toward a future where economic success and sustainability go hand in hand.

PITCH US

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