September 28th, 2015 – The new sustainable development goals were the focus of the speech by Enel CEO Francesco Starace, in New York, during the United Nations 2015 Summit. The CEO announced the group’s intention to contribute to the achievement of four of the 17 sustainable development goals. “The electricity sector is a key element for economic and social progress as it determines increases in productivity and jobs; it improves education and health care; and it creates new growth opportunities – said Starace in his speech at Forum – Enel places sustainability at the heart of its corporate culture. Being sustainable means to be competitive today and tomorrow, and environmental, social and economic sustainability is the key to the growth of the energy sector.” In particular, the group will contribute to the 7th SDG pledging to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all through the ENabling ELectricity program, which will benefit 3 million people in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Enel wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and will thus contribute to the 13th SDG, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. As for the 4th SDG – ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all – Enel will support educational projects for 400.000 people by 2020, through initiatives similar to existing programs such as Powering Education in Kenya, Ubuntu in South Africa and scholarships in Latin America. The group is also committed to achieving the 8th SDG, promoting e sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for 500.000 people, through programs such as the cultivation and distribution of coffee in Peru and greenhouse farming in Chile. (Red)
