Stringing a strategy together

The five brightly coloured beads on Bridget Williams’ necklace are more than a bold fashion statement.

Each one represents the United Nations’ sustainable development goals most important to the former lawyer from Christchurch, whether that be building sustainable communities, or moving to more responsible production.

Williams founded Bead and Proceed in 2019, a social enterprise that has helped teach thousands about all 17 goals.

She holds workshops where businesses and groups craft and paint five-beaded necklaces with the goalsmost important to them.

Goal No 7 – affordable and clean energy – is top priority for many.

The UN aims to have all of the goals implemented by 2030, an ambitious timeframe that’s inspired the nickname ‘‘the moonshot goals’’.

While the Covid-19 pandemic had put ‘‘a big handbrake’’ on a lot of work, Williams said it was not too late to make a difference.

‘‘It’s up to everyone, [but] businesses have a huge role to play in actioning the goals.’’