The Volvo Group contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlines the world’s common agenda for 2030. We are committed to all 17 goals, as they all have some connection to our business. Several topics, such as gender equality and fighting corruption are universal for all enterprises. Beyond these universal responsibilities, we focus on the SDGs where our business activities can have the biggest impact. 

Within the frame of the UN Global Compact we have worked in collaboration with a range of associations over the years to drive change. Collaboration is key to gain knowledge, build capacity and broadened understanding for the implementation of sustainable business. 

Together with our customers, supply chain partners, governments, societies and other stakeholders, we are moving quickly to develop and offer cleaner, safer and more circular transport solutions. We believe corruption must be fought, human rights respected, and education for all secured if we are to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals – the world’s agenda for a better planet.

Launched in 2015, the SDGs provide a clear direction for the 2030 agenda for sustainable development of the world. Below you find examples on the main activities we develop to make an impact, our contribution to the SDGs.

On-going activities - 2030 agenda for UN Sustainable Development Goals

UN SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing

Our work on health, safety and wellbeing is directly impacting SDG 3, especially target 3.6 – Halving the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

The safety work includes all road users, both inside and outside our vehicles. The ART’s work focuses on improving both active and passive safety for Volvo Group’s trucks. Research into passive safety is designed to minimize the consequences of any accident, and active safety means avoiding accidents.

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UN SDG 4 – Quality education

Education and development empowers us to drive prosperity and our impact is especially strong for target 4.3 – Equal access to affordable technical vocational and higher education.

We work to build capacity for the future. The Volvo Group stimulates individual development and training for our employees. In addition, we support vocational training in many places around the world. This empowers people to develop skills and life-long learning and increase employment opportunities. 

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UN SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

Safety and health at work begins in our own operations with direct impact on SDG 8, and especially target 8.8 – to promote safe and secure work environments. Our work on Health and Safety is built on the belief that accidents, near misses and work-related illness can be prevented. 

We as well include all activities supporting decent work across the value chain.

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UN SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Our industry is driven by innovation and infrastructure development and target 9.4 – Upgrading infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and focusing on cutting CO2 per value added, is especially relevant for the Volvo Group where we can make significant contribution to the SDGs.

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UN SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities 

The sustainable development goals 2030 of sustainable cities and communities is a significant business driver for the industry and especially target 11.2 – Providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems by 2030, notably by expanding public transport. In this work, the Volvo Group contributes by developing and expanding safe and sustainable transport solutions. 

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UN SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production

Management and efficient use of natural resources are included in UN SDG 7 and 12. Target 12.2 highlights sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

The Volvo Group seeks to increase resource efficiency through both fuel efficiency, remanufacturing and material efficiency.

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    UN SDG 13 – Climate action

    Climate impact cuts through many of the sustainable development goals 2030, from energy and resource efficiency, to sustainable transport systems and reducing ocean acidification by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. Target 13.3 sums it up concretely – Increasing awareness and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation and impact reduction.

    Our work focuses on fuel and energy efficiency, alternative fuels and electrification. These are also some of the most important drivers of our industry today. 

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    UN Sustainable Development Goals

    The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.