193 heads of state at the United Nations in New York approve new global goals - and businesses worldwide embrace the initiative.

The Canadian chapter of the United Nations Global Compact – The world's largest network of sustainable businesses – rolls out the new initiative in Canada.

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations are setting off a chain reaction of national and local action as they are adopted today by all UN member states in New York.

The 17 goals lay out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect the planet. The SDGs are global in nature but will depend on national and local implementation if they are to succeed.

The SDGs have been negotiated at the United Nations with widespread public input, including contributions from companies participating in the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.

The Canadian network of the United Nations Global Compact is dedicated to translating the SDGs for businesses locally and helping companies understand how they can leverage these goals to drive good practices and growth opportunities. The Global Compact is widely disseminating new tools and resources such as the SDG Compass and SDG Industry Matrix to help companies take action.

"This is a historic moment for the world as we all come together in agreement on how to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and protect our planet. Canadian businesses have a crucial role to play in achieving each of the SDGs. The Global Compact Network Canada will help Canadian businesses advance the SDGs on the ground, providing a platform to engage and partner on priority issues identified at the national and global level." says Helle Bank Jorgensen, President, Global Compact Network Canada.

On September 29^th, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST), the Global Compact Network Canada will be hosting a free webinar providing an overview of the SDGs: What Canadian businesses need to know and what they can do. This webinar will translate the SDGs for business and help Canadian companies understand how they can adopt these goals into their operations.

Over the coming months, the Global Compact Network Canada will be building awareness around the goals, conducting roundtable discussions and workshops that will lead towards the concrete implementation of the 17 SDGs for its Canadian signatories.

SOURCE Global Compact Network Canada

Helle Bank Jorgensen, President, Global Compact Network Canada, Phone: [phone] - www.globalcompact.ca - @globalcompactCA