Multinational enterprises' sustainability practices and focus on developing countries: Contributions and unexpected results of SDG implementation

Abstract This article examines multinationals' (MNEs) sustainability practices focusing on the SDGs in developing countries through studying sustainability reports of multinationals from China (CMNEs) and developed countries (DMNEs). Findings show significant differences in MNEs' approaches to the SDGs. DMNEs prioritise education, health and poverty, whereas CMNEs emphasise poverty, education and cities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Conversely, inequality, hunger, consumption and production, oceans and peace, justice and strong institutions are poorly addressed. Most importantly, while contributing to sustainability, they foster inequalities among developing countries by over‐focusing on China and India, against the pledge of Leaving No One Behind.