B20 Coalition Calls for G20 to Address Resource Efficiency

On the occasion of their 3rd Plenary Meeting, the leaders of the B20 Coalition met to discuss future strategies for the global business community and announced Resource Efficiency as a new priority for the Coalition and as a follow-up to the work accomplished by the group in the field of Digital Economy.

On the occasion of their 3rd Plenary Meeting, the leaders of the B20 Coalition met to discuss future strategies for the global business community and announced Resource Efficiency as a new priority for the Coalition and as a follow-up to the work accomplished by the group in the field of Digital Economy. Founded in 2012, the B20 Coalition comprises 15 leading business associations from G20 countries, advocates on behalf of more than 6.8 million small, medium and large companies, and operates as an international platform, with the aim of fostering cooperation between national business communities and building common positions on critical issues for enterprises.

Mr. Ulrich Grillo, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), which holds the B20 Coalition Presidency, stated, “Due to the different cultural, societal, economic and politico-legal frameworks existing around the world, there is a vast difference in the understanding and implementation of Resource Efficiency among businesses and countries. Hence, there is a need to develop a common international framework of understanding and to launch new initiatives to boost international cooperation in Resource Efficiency.”

Following its recommendations on Industrial Internet, IT Security, ICT Standards and Smart Cities in 2015, the B20 Coalition acknowledges the potential and importance of Resource Efficiency and the Circular Economy in enabling businesses to reduce costs, overcome problems associated with scarce resources, boost innovation and competitiveness and contribute to Sustainable Development. Accordingly, the Coalition has made Resource Efficiency its priority and will work towards fostering its adoption and implementation on a global scale. The B20 Coalition emphasized that as the premier forum for international economic cooperation the G20 needs to address this crucial issue.

Mr. Grillo added, “Resource Efficiency is crucial for the competitiveness of industries, for economic growth and employment. Sustainability efforts can spur the efficient use of natural resources through innovation rather than new constraints on business. In this context, the B20 Coalition envisions the creation of a dedicated Platform on Resource Efficiency to help create a space for companies where they can share knowledge on technical developments and create information networks.”

This statement is issued in Berlin, Brasilia, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, New Delhi, Ottawa, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Sydney, and Washington, D.C. by the B20 Coalition members.

Source: B20 Coalition

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