Since the launch of the Compact at Frankfurt Book Fair, a number of companies and associations have signed the compact.

As they signed, Springer Nature’s, Steven Inchcoombe, Chief Publishing and Solutions Officer, said: “Springer Nature has been using the SDGs as a framework to consider how we can have a positive impact – on society and the environment – since 2018 and launched a dedicated SDG Publishing Programme in 2019, building on our former Grand Challenges Programme. By joining the SDG Publishers Compact, Springer Nature is delighted to be part of a cross-publisher initiative to contribute to the UN’s Decade of Action.”

Michiel Kolman, Chair of the International Publishers Association’s Inclusive Publishing and Literacy Committee congratulated Springer Nature: “The SDG Publishers Compact has attracted great interest from publishers of all shapes and sizes around the world and it is great to see Springer Nature among the first signatories. They already publish so much that promotes the SDGs and here they demonstrate their commitment to being a sustainable business. We are looking forward to working with Springer Nature and sharing best practices among all those who have signed up.”

Nicola Jones, Head of SDG Publishing at Springer Nature, commented: “Since launching our SDG Publishing Programme we have made new connections between multidisciplinary portfolios, and identified new partnerships to make stronger links between research and policy in support of the Global Goals. Our internal network of 68 SDG Champions have enabled us to do this effectively, to build on insights and speed-up progress.”

In a subsequent blog post, Jones also detailed specifically how Springer Nature will engage with the 10 pledges in the Compact.

Upon signing the Compact, Annie Callanan, CEO of Taylor & Francis, said: “We are joining over 50 publishers worldwide who are part of the compact, and urge all of our peers to join us. This is a welcome initiative that gives us clarity on how to improve our business practices as they relate to the UN SDGs. We will be actively promoting and acquiring content that supports the SDGs, such as equality, sustainability, justice and safeguarding and strengthening the environment.” 

One SDG goal that Taylor & Francis has committed to focus specifically on is Climate Action. Callanan said: “We are demonstrating our commitment to Climate Action by commissioning relevant content in this area across our book list and by prioritizing journal development in this area. We are also promoting content relevant to this SDG to a range of stakeholders who can use it to make a practical, positive difference to climate policy. In addition, we are minimizing our own carbon footprint by decreasing travel, looking at our supply chain, and committing to using renewable energy in our offices.”

With the UN updating the list of signatories every month, even more will be added in the next week.

Find out more about the Compact and how to sign up here:

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sdg-publishers-compact/