How can companies integrate sustainable development goals?

The UN's sustainable development agenda for the next 15 years can be used as a model for businesses

When the Syrian refugee crisis hit the news, global educational publisher Pearson wrote a check. But after sending 500,000 ($765,605) to aid relief efforts, the company began looking for more ways to make a more personal contribution.

"In big humanitarian crises like this, our usual answer is to make a philanthropic contribution," said Kate James, the company's corporate affairs officer. "We're a global learning company. "Conflict zones are not our area of expertise."