IEMA has identified a gap between international objectives and grass roots practice that must be bridged if nations are to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In response, the sustainability body has today published practical guidelines to help professionals steer their organisation towards effectively contributing to the goals.
Change Management for Sustainable Development has a cross-sector and cross-profession relevance, providing a “how to” book for ensuring the SDGs’ success is not limited at a national, regional or global level.
IEMA CEO, Tim Balcon, said: “With the SDGs’ deadline just over 12 years away, we must ensure that we join the dots between strategic vision and practice now.
“That means ensuring professionals everywhere can access support and guidance to make the right day-to-day decisions which align with the big picture direction.”
The SDGs include 17 overarching goals, and 169 associated targets, which range from tackling world hunger to ensuring decent work and economic growth for everyone.
IEMA said their effective implementation would require collaboration between professionals through the exchange of expertise on everything from the circular economy to responsible finance.
Its guidebook is the first in a new series designed to give practitioners with environment and sustainability responsibilities end-to-end information to tackle key challenges and practices.
It draws on the experience of leading change-makers, helping readers understand how they can be most effective in creating positive change – whatever their starting point.
Writer and environmentalist, Tony Juniper CBE, said: “If we are to make continuing progress, then it will be necessary for sustainability advocates and professionals to achieve change at the micro and macro level.
“That is what this book is all about – setting out the approaches that can succeed in joining the dots between the very big picture and the day-to-day reality of how things get done."
Change Management for Sustainable Development is available from £10 here.
