Profit and purpose: Aligning business for a sustainable future

As global challenges intensify, the relationship between capitalism and sustainable development has reached a critical juncture. Private enterprises have long driven societal progress, yet market forces have also deepened societal challenges and environmental stresses. Amid this pivotal moment, scholars at the Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings and the Japan International Cooperation Agency Ogata Sadako Research Institute have edited a new volume to be published by Brookings Institution Press. “For the World’s Profit” brings together a cross section of distinguished contributors to explore how business leaders, financial actors, policymakers, and other actors can align the pursuit of firm-level profitability with sustainable development to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. 

On January 10, the Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings launched the book’s publication with an overview and panel discussion of key themes. The event discussed actionable strategies for aligning business goals with global priorities, notably the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting landscape of sustainability standards and policies. Speakers shared insights on how business leaders, financial actors, policymakers, and regulators can contribute to an ecosystem where the targeted pursuit of business profits can better add up to the world’s profit, broadly defined.

Media inquiries for the editors or volume contributors can be arranged through [email protected].