UNDESA Recognises Canon Medical Systems

06.03.2019, 10:42

UNDESA Recognises Canon Medical Systems

The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) has awarded official partner status to Canon Medical Systems for its promotion of sustainability, gender equality and welfare in developing countries.

Global supplier of diagnostic imaging systems provider, Canon Medical Systems UK, has operated a CarbonZero programme to promote carbon neutrality in its manufacturing operations and supply chain since 2014.

DSDG assessors adjudged the company’s activities in developing countries to have achieved environmental as well as public welfare and social United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG) in four areas:

Good Health and Wellbeing – Distributing fuel-efficient cookstoves through The Kenyan Energy efficient stove project has resulted in a 50% reduction in the need for firewood; less firewood means a reduction in smoke, reducing the likelihood of life-threatening respiratory conditions.

Gender equality – Through local borehole regeneration, the task of collecting fresh water, usually by women and children, is less onerous as it also no longer requires sterilisation on an open fire. This in turn means women are able to play a greater role within society and more children can attend school, improving gender equality and education.

Clean Water and Sanitation – Supplying families with clean water significantly reduces the need to burn firewood for sterilisation and limits the threat of disease. One borehole user said, “The water we drank was always dirty and I worried my children would become sick with typhoid or other water-borne diseases. Our lives have improved so much since the borehole was repaired.”

Climate Action – A key aim is to reduce the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere. The result of this to date has been a total offset of C0₂ emissions of 27,476 tonnes.

UNDESA’s Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) evaluates the UN’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which prioritises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are designed to improve private sector involvement in public initiatives to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth. Companies that deliver these goals are recognised with the award of official partner status and “Gold Standard” accreditation.

Commenting on the news, Canon Medical Systems UK’s managing director, Mark Hitchman, said:

“As a leading healthcare technology provider, improving the lives of people across our planet is something we are incredibly passionate about – it is part of this company’s DNA. That is why it is of great importance to us that we take good care not only of people, but also of the environment we all share. We are honoured to have achieved UN partner status in recognition of our efforts and contribution to the wider good.

“C0₂ in the earth’s atmosphere is a critical problem and if we don’t take action, it will lead to unpredictable changes in our global climate system. As customers look to business to define a purpose beyond profit, this announcement is testament to Canon Medical Systems’ focus on improving welfare in developing countries at the same time as improving health outcomes in the UK. This is very much in line with our corporate philosophy “Kyosei” which means living and working together for the common good.”

The company says it is working towards a further eight SDGs by supporting initiatives by carbon projects developer, CO2balance, to offset emissions from the production and distribution of its products and Canon Medical Systems UK’s internal operations.

Visit https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=26515 for further information on the development partnership.