Total, the Global Compact and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit, taking place virtually in 2020 on June 15 and 16, brings together business heads, members of government, representatives of civil society and academics. Over two days, they discuss how businesses can step up their action to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Total, a regular participant in the Leaders Summit for several years, has held the status of U.N. Global Compact LEAD company since 2018 due to its high level of commitment to this cause.

The Global Compact, now in its 20th year, brings together stakeholders from across the business world to tackle challenges in four areas: human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption. In doing so, the initiative has become the chief institution for cementing corporate commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and encouraging businesses to adopt the SDGs.

For several years now, Total has taken a strong position on sustainable development issues as part of its ambition to become a broad energy company. The Group committed to advancing the United Nations’ 17 SDGs as early as 2016. Since then, it has adjusted its approach to responsible development to make a more significant contribution to these objectives, particularly in the areas of access to energy, climate action and decent work.

Patrick Pouyanné, an active member of the Global Compact and a regular participant in these summits, was named an SDG Pioneer by the Global Compact in 2017. This distinction recognizes the efforts made by the Group, which stands out from its peers through its low-carbon energy investments and its decision to fully integrate climate issues into its strategy.