Economic growth, social development and climate action rely heavily on investment in resilient infrastructure as well as inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. Basic infrastructure like roads, sanitation, power, water resources and communication technologies remain scarce in many developing countries. Sustainable Development Goal 9 aims to "build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation by 2030".
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. For economic recovery we need to build back better, create jobs, reduce poverty and stimulate investment. The humanitarian crisis has accelerated the digitisation of businesses and services, as well as access to healthcare, education and essential goods and services online. It has never been more important to bridge the digital divide for the 3.6 billion across the world who remain offline.
Mark Hassenkamp, Global head of agriculture at LiveKindly Collective, is a farmer from White River, Mpumulanga. Mark is passionate about driving innovative developments to advance the global transition to sustainable food and agriculture.
Mark started his learning journey about the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure, tutored by Aunnie Patton Power, founder of Intelligent Impact.
In early 2022, the class met in person for the first time. Through curiosity, group discussion and reflection, Mark and the class learned that small but consistent actions from each of us make a considerable impact as a collective.
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Meet MARK HASSENKAMP
We invited Mark to join the Class of 2030 to focus on SDG 9. Lessons took place online, with a single goal in mind: to give Mark insight into the SDG to help him understand its relevance in achieving the 2030 goals.
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As a founding member of the Class of 2030, Mark acknowledges that with a small amount of knowledge, we can all empower ourselves to make a difference. He drives regenerative farming globally and is a leader in the shift to sustainable healthy eating. Mark believes it’s in the practical application of the theory where change really happens - it’s up to all of us to focus and continuously shift incrementally in the right direction.
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Aunnie Patton Power
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Investec’s approach to the SDGs
We believe that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a solid framework for us to assess, align and prioritise our activities. Our strategy is to harness the expertise in our various businesses and identify opportunities to maximise impact by partnering with our clients, investors and various stakeholders to support delivery of the SDGs, and build a more resilient and inclusive world.
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