Daily Times

KARACHI: Unilever Pakistan has called for collective action to enhance the positive impact of social and economic development and climate change efforts across the country. The announcement was made at a round table conference, organised at a local hotel, as part of Unilever’s annual update on sustainability efforts in Pakistan. The update was a mean to provide an insight into the role of sustainable business practices for Unilever’s growth as well as the positive impact on consumers and environment. The session also included presentations by representatives of Google Pakistan, Plan International, Standard Chartered Bank and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who emphasised the need for collaborative action to increase the impact of various development projects that these organisations have initiated across the country. Unilever Pakistan Chairperson and CEO Shazia Syed said, “Sustainability lies at the heart of how we do business at Unilever. Each day we strive to create a brighter future for consumers, customers and communities. Our success is incumbent on the collaborative efforts and partnerships that we forge as part of our efforts to improve health and well-being, enhance livelihoods and increase operational efficiencies.” Unilever’s global sustainability initiatives are driven by the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which aims to make sustainable living commonplace, through three key ambitions, improving health and well being, reducing environmental impact and enhancing livelihoods. Since 2011, Unilever’s efforts in Pakistan have resulted in key achievements such as reaching 68 million people across through initiatives for hand washing (Lifebuoy), healthy snacking (Knorr and Blue Band) and access to clean water (Pureit) as well as the empowerment of over 7,400 men and women across rural Pakistan through livelihood programs such as ‘Guddi Baji’ and ‘Wall’s Trike’. Unilever has also reduced the environmental impact of its operations, cutting CO2 emissions by 33%; water by 34%; and has also become a zero-waste-to-landfill organisation.