“Enel has not stepped back when faced with the challenges inherent in the transformation of the energy sector and the social and environmental implications that characterise this moment in time. On the contrary, it has decided to drive forward with a revolutionary, new paradigm. Enel’s new strategic plan is designed to create sustainable value over the long term, while respecting the environment and guiding the transition and opportunities this brings, without ignoring the social implications”
In order to provide a tangible contribution to sustainable growth, Enel has set itself measurable objectives for four of the 17 United Nations SDGs. First, in a world where over 1 billion people do not have access to energy, Enel has committed to providing light to 3 million people by 2020 (Goal 7: “affordable and clean energy”). To date, approximately 2 million people have benefitted in rural areas in South America, Africa and Asia.
The Enel Group’s commitment to sustainable development, with around 1,200 projects that affect 9 million people, places it in the front line of the campaign for “climate action” (Goal 13), “decent work and economic growth” (Goal 8) and “quality education” (Goal 4).
More integration, increased sustainability
While Europe has already registered excellent partial results for some of the SDGs, the timeframe for their fulfilment still seems very long. Enrico Giovannini, a spokesperson for ASviS, believes that the only way for the countries of the old continent to overcome the crises that threaten them today and to maintain their leadership in sustainable development is to create greater integration of the policies of individual nations.
“It’s time to rethink Europe, and to follow the guidelines set out in the 2030 Agenda. This is an essential transformation, one that includes greater integration and affects the future for us all and one that must become a common goal for Member States and the institutions of the European Union. Social inequality and environmental imbalances must be tackled with urgency, mobilising businesses, society and the younger generation”
The synergy of the four revolutions
If there is no decisive investment in sustainability, the present consumption levels of environmental and energetic resources will require two planet Earths by 2050.
An “alliance” that builds on the synergies of the four on-going revolutions – digital, environmental, ethical and financial – is needed in order to increase inclusivity and innovation. Sustainable finance, in particular, has been identified as one of the crucial points of the European projects by Pierluigi Stefanini, the ASviS President. Creating grass roots interaction, with models of circular economy and networks of responsible businesses, is key to contrast the image of a Europe dominated by huge monopolies.
The many Italian and international guests at the Milan conference included Vincenzo Boccia, President of Confindustria; Malini Mehra, CEO, GLOBE International; Silvia Ganzerla, Policy Director Eurocities; and Marta Bonifert, Member of Europe Ambition 2030 and the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum. Representing the European Commission was its spokesperson in Italy, Beatrice Covassi, who stated: “The priority now is a change of mentality of lifestyle, and approach. Sustainable development is not an option: it is the only option.”
