Challenges provide opportunities for emerging businesses -Unilever CEO

Global CEO, Unilever Plc, Mr Paul Polman has said that the scale and urgency of the challenges the world faces are so great and there is need to look beyond individual businesses to drive transformational change, adding that the challenges actually provide opportunities for emerging businesses to grow profitably and sustainably while addressing development challenges.

He reiterated the company commitment to the advancement of Nigerians through its sustainable living plan.

Polman stated this on Wednesday at an event organised in partnership with the Lagos Business School, where he spoke extensively on how profitable and sustainable businesses are built in the midst of volatility.

The CEO, who has been at the centre of the advocacy for building widespread support for the SDGs globally, has continued to champion the drive for a sustainable and integrated approach to sustainable business practices.

“At Unilever, we have been able to demonstrate that sustainability drives growth. More than ever before, we are leading the way, having taken a commitment to put sustainability at the core of our operations. And this is growing the business, despite current economic and business challenges” he said.

Also speaking at the session, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo, stressed that Lagos State was ready to support businesses like Unilever, who are delivering value and economic growth through their operations.

In his opening remarks, Yaw Nsarkoh, Unilever Nigeria Managing Director said: “Businesses that address both the direct concerns of citizens and the needs of the environment will prosper over the long term. This is what guides our operations at Unilever as we meet the needs of our consumers while maintaining commercial profitability.