Advancing Country SDG Impacts

Abstract Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, countries around the world have begun to consider how to achieve the 17 Goals. In order to do so, it will be essential to have the support of other actors from both the private sector and civil society. So in turn, companies have responded by starting to design strategies that align with the SDGs at a corporate and global level. But the SDG priorities of host governments can vary greatly between countries of operation. Navigating this at a local level can be challenging. To support companies in their efforts, in 2019 IPIECA commissioned a research project with Earth Security Group to help companies identify country-level issues, priorities and opportunities and enable them to align their SDG initiatives with a host country's priorities. The pilot project identified Brazil, the country-level focus for the project because many IPIECA members and key stakeholders are operating there. The project consisted of desk research to; identify country priorities relevant to the sector and national government SDG priorities, map existing sector initiatives and stakeholder partnerships which are addressing priority areas, and identify the key gaps and opportunities. This was supplemented by interviews with IPIECA member companies operating in Brazil and key Brazilian external stakeholders to discuss their views on social and environmental priorities for the business and SDG-related plans and initiatives. Based on the findings, the project made several recommendations for the industry operating in Brazil to build on the industry's potential to have a strong positive impact on the environment and communities existing in Brazil. The paper shows how through research, engagement and collaboration with IPIECA members and key stakeholders in Brazil, it is possible to enhance understanding and identify where the industry can work together to have the biggest impact on the SDGs at a country level. Through IPIECA's ongoing work on the SDGs, it is hoped that the industry can build on opportunities to positively contribute to sustainable development by identifying key impact areas and opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.