On 25 September, flags will fly for the UN Sustainable Development Goals - Matkahuolto is helping to promote the goals

25 September is the first international SDG Flag Day, marking the eight anniversary of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Matkahuolto’s sustainability work is also linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2015, UN member countries agreed on the international Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. On 25 September 2023, eight years will have passed since then. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda will guide governments, businesses and other actors up to 2030.

Matkahuolto is also committed to promoting the goals in its own sustainability work. The objectives of Matkahuolto’s sustainability programme are linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“In the logistics sector, climate and environmental issues are particularly relevant. We aim to promote them not only in our own direct operations, but also throughout our value chain. For us, commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals means that we are involved in promoting international sustainability and climate goals,” says Jaana Korkiakoski, Sustainability Director at Matkahuolto.

Matkahuolto’s own climate roadmap contains more than 40 measures that contribute to the goal of halving the company’s emissions by 2030. The whole value chain is reflected, for example, in the shift of Matkahuolto’s trunk transport services from fossil fuels to renewable ones. Since trunk transport is subcontracted, the transition requires close cooperation with transport partners.

“In addition to external goals and measures, our sustainability activities are strongly linked to our social responsibility objectives, which are also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We take responsibility for our own employees and their safety and well-being at work,” Korkiakoski continues.

The UN Agenda 2030 strives for sustainable development in terms of the economy, human well-being and the environment. Its 17 goals include a total of 169 sub-goals. The goals are interlinked, and one goal cannot be pursued at the expense of others. The guiding principle of the agenda is to leave no one behind.