The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a key global framework to drive social and environmental sustainability. In response, businesses are exploring new models to contribute to SDGs. North–South cooperation to advance SDGs has traditionally been led by multilateral organisations, governments and MNCs, but these approaches are often criticised for reinforcing inequalities or prioritising profits over long-term sustainability. At the same time the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting North–South cooperation remains largely overlooked. This is despite SMEs representing around 90% of businesses globally. Our study examines a partnership between a North based European organic textiles SME that collaborates with farming communities in India using a systems approach to advance sustainable and inclusive development. This partnership delivers social benefits such as improved education and health services, while ensuring gender inclusive empowerment for both male and female farmers. The participants also reported environmental benefits from adopting organic farming, and economic benefits of livelihood-generating activities beyond organic farming. The case highlights how North based SMEs can adopt a systems approach to partner with organisations in South to drive sustainable and inclusive development.
