The CEO and Chairman of Corticeira Amorim, António Rios de Amorim, was named 'SDG Pioneer 2024 - Portugal', in the 'Large Companies' category, in recognition of his dedication, innovation and leadership in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving the world's largest cork processing group to act responsibly in the face of global challenges and in a manner committed to creating a better, more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all.
The SDG Pioneers are an annual initiative of the UN Global Compact, which recognises leaders worldwide who promote a positive approach in their companies and operations based on the 17 SDGs, setting ambitious environmental, social and governance targets.
António Rios de Amorim was awarded the prize after a rigorous and competitive selection process carried out by a multi-stakeholder panel made up of representatives from the UN Global Compact Network Portugal board, other United Nations entities, representatives from the IOM - International Organisation for Migration, AdP- Águas de Portugal and Nova SBE - Nova School of Business & Economics.
In addition to being recognised for his work at national level, as SDG Pioneer 2024 - Portugal, António Rios de Amorim will also be considered in the Global Round, which will identify the UN Global Compact Global Pioneers in September 2024.
According to Anabela Vaz Ribeiro, UN Global Compact Network Portugal’s Executive Director "António Rios de Amorim stands out as a visionary in the area of sustainability, leading innovative initiatives that demonstrate his passion for nature. Under his guidance, there has been an ongoing commitment to sustainable development with a particular focus on environmental sustainability, demonstrating that it is possible to combine economic growth with the sustainable use of resources. His work has been decisive in driving sustainability in the sector, serving as an inspiration to other leaders and companies around the world."
On a daily basis, António Rios de Amorim demonstrates, through concrete actions and ambitious plans, that he is a true SDG Pioneer. In 2018, he led the launch of the "Sustainable by Nature" programme, aligned with 12 SDGs, which guide Corticeira Amorim's actions in areas such as ethics and integrity, value chain, assembled, climate change, circular economy, products, development, safety, health, well-being, community and innovation.
In 2023, Corticeira Amorim consolidated its position at the forefront of environmental sustainability, with a 9.1 per cent reduction in energy consumption, an increase to 68.3 per cent in the use of controlled renewable energy and an 8.8 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
At the same time, the company has also reinforced its commitments in the social dimension, continuously implementing a plan of actions to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, and has strengthened its integration practices with the younger generations, with the highlight being the launch of the Young@Cork Programme, which promotes the integration of young people, as well as their development and the training and retention of young managers.
In terms of governance, Corticeira Amorim has been reinforcing its policies and practices, promoting independence and transparency in 2023 and ensuring the responsible and ethical management of its business.
António Rios de Amorim states that "Being recognised as an SDG Pioneer validates and strengthens our vision, highlighting our role in creating a relevant positive impact on our People (SDGs 3, 4 and 5), communities and the planet, namely by generating employment opportunities and professional development, promoting local development (SDG 8) and preserving natural and cultural heritage (SDG 11), and contributing to the regeneration of the Montado (SDG 13), part of a biodiversity hotspot and which plays an important role, among others, in global climate regulation, fire prevention, hydrological regulation and soil protection. "
To find out more about the annual initiative of the UN Global Compact, check out the SDG Pioneers 2024 programme.
