The role of multinational enterprises in achieving sustainable development goals

The United Nations put forward 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 that were to be achieved by 2030. The objective was to alleviate inequalities and create a fair society for all. The contention of this paper is that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can play an important role in achieving these goals. It is also envisaged that collaborative efforts of governments, society, and MNEs are necessary to achieve these goals. The impact of new realities, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, is discussed. Many companies are now claiming to pursue these goals. We call for more research to analyze these activities to separate rhetoric from the reality.