NEW YORK (News release) -- On 18 Oct 2017 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Essity, a global hygiene and health company, convened the fifth annual UN Foundation Dialogue on the Global Agenda. The Dialogue brought together businesses, government representatives and NGOs who discussed ways to collaborate to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This is the second year Essity has convened the Dialogue, sharing its knowledge and insights on improving well-being worldwide through hygiene and health solutions.

The Global Dialogue provides a platform for multi-sector engagement, discussing ways the public and private sectors can work together to advocate and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, launched by the UN in 2015.

In his opening remarks, Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity, addressed the importance of mobilizing public-private partnerships in implementing the Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

"As one of the world's largest hygiene and health companies, we consider the Sustainable Development Goals as more than the right thing to do, but also as business opportunities. Today's UN Foundation Dialogue provides a valuable forum to bring together leaders in the field to share experiences and identify how we can collaborate to achieve the Goals," said Magnus Groth. "By aligning our efforts with the six Goals directly related to our business, we will work to uncover innovative and collaborative solutions that create value for people, nature and society as well as for the company. This is critical to solving the global challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals."

The Global Dialogue discussions in the UN were held in four breakout sessions, where Magnus Groth led the session focusing on Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

"Poor hygiene and sanitation are barriers to the health, well-being, livelihood and development of millions of people. For decades, our knowledge, expertise and dedication have helped raise hygiene and health standards across the world," noted Groth. "Last year Essity educated two million people in programs around menstruation and puberty, handwashing, continence care and parental education. We are committed to raising awareness and breaking taboos."