The report Companies faced with the challenge of systemic change, prepared by the Esade Leadership and Sustainability Chair, in collaboration with the Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation, raises doubts about the possibility of complying with them. According to the study, only 15% of the SDGs are currently on track to be met, with 48% at moderate or serious risk of not being met, and a 37% in clear decline.
This situation, the document highlights, underlines the need for a systemic change that transcends short-term solutions and addresses the structural roots of global problems.
“Systemic change is urgent. It is not only about adapting current practices, but also about completely reimagine our economic and social systems to guarantee long-term sustainability,” explains Àngel Castiñeira, director of the Esade Leadership and Sustainability Chair. “Companies have a crucial role not only in mitigating their environmental impact, but in being drivers of positive and lasting change. A call to action is necessary for all sectors of society to contribute to a transformation that can no longer be postponed,” he added.
According to the analysis, the process of transforming companies towards sustainability is accelerating due to pressure from emerging systemic risks and new regulation. There is an increase in attention to the risks of climate change and other systemic disruptions, given their intricate connection to the financial materiality of companies.
The document highlights that some companies are moving sustainability commissions to the financial department, which gives non-financial data a unprecedented strategic value for organizations.
The contribution of Spanish companies
Like every year, the last chapter of the report prepared by Esade and the Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation measures the contribution of 105 Spanish listed companies to the 2030 Agenda. As we approach the second half of the deadline established to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, although Spanish companies are increasing their commitment to sustainability, global challenges in terms of climate, inequality and natural resources are slowing down progress worldwide, the document maintains.
Furthermore, it highlights a worrying paradox: Although the percentage of companies reporting their sustainability practices has grown, reaching 92% in 2022-2023, global problems such as climate change, biodiversity and social equity are becoming more acute.
Among the SDGs most mentioned by companies These include SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption). However, critical SDGs such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 1 (End Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) continue to be insufficiently addressed.
