International Conference: Global goals, local focus
Workshop 05 – Sustainability in the private sector
Speakers: Eric De Deckere, Technical Manager Environment Port of Antwerp and Jan Beyne, Programme Manager Cifal Flanders (UNITAR)
Moderator: Jan Beyne (UNITAR)
Rapporteur: Nils Callens (VVSG)
Context
The Port of Antwerp is a very important economic player in Flanders and Belgium (and worldwide). The port has already undertaken several measures to become a more sustainable public enterprise involving all the large companies on their port territory. The international framework of the SDG’s is offering an additional impetus for the port’s sustainability policy. They are investigating amongst others in sustainable infrastructure, in efficient use of energy, in new modes of transportation, etc. As a special player with many private actors the port can make a substantial contribution to sustainability policies of the city of Antwerp (e.g. climate plan, air quality, …).
Q&A
Q: I come from a little city with a little port in Africa. We rely greatly on the port and their rather wasteful activities. At the same time we would like to protect the mangrove next to our port and try to get the companies to diversify in their activities to reduce the pollution and protect the environment. It is a constant battle between our economic and ecological goals. Especially since the canal leading to our port is sanding due to the harm done to nature. How do we get our stakeholders on the same line?
A: The problem we facedas a local government is that we weren’t trusted by our stakeholders. In their eyes every proposition we made was bad. By going into an open discussion in which we listened to them, in which we made clear that we wanted what is best for the port and by admitting (past) mistakes, we became a trustful partner. Good governance creates trust.
A (schepen Merelbeke): We also faced problems with trust, but going back to basics and reaching out to people and companies who came up with good ideas help. You gain trust by sticking to long-term plans that are supported by most politicians and by keeping on implementing them in the long term. And while you’re doing this, keep on listening and discuss the problems you face, that is good governance.
Q: Local governments focus on the people to attain the SDG’s. Should a local government also focus more on private companies?
A: The bigger private companies try to attain the SDG’s on their own, because they are aware of the opportunities. As a local government you have to inspire the smaller companies to achieve them too, because they focus more on the risks. Help them to spot the opportunities in achieving the SDG’s.
Q: But the expensiveness of reaching the
SDG’s is an important issue!
A: Front-runners who want to invest in reaching the SDG’s face short-term costs with long-term benefits. A good example of this is recruiting good employees. The younger generation of talented professionals put higher emphasis on the company’s vision. SDG’s are an important part of that.
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