Latest on the Business and Industry Major Group

Roundup of March B&I meeting 

As the mid-point in the UN 2030 Agenda approaches, stocktaking is being undertaken by the UN to evaluate the remaining challenges to achieving the SDGs. IOE New York is actively involved in ensuring private sector views are part of the discussions, debates and decisions on the way forward for the SDGs. 

Recently, IOE’s Shea Gopaul, co-chair of the Business and Industry (B&I) Major Group, along with the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), hosted a webinar  on UN activities leading up to the SDG Summit, which will take place 19 - 20 September in New York during the UN  General Assembly. The related presentation is available in the "Resources" section.  

SDG Summit and related activities  

During the  webinar, Angus Rennie and Shea Gopaul mentioned that UN DESA has put together a small, targeted group of private sector global business organisations (ICC, Global Compact, WBCSD and IOE) that meet on a regular basis to discuss some possible activities linked to the SDG Summit in September. 

While the decision on the date is not finalised, the SDG Summit is tentatively planned for 19-20 September. Upcoming events which will prepare the ground for the summit include the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum from 2 to 4 May and the High-Level Political Forum from 10-19 July.  There will be a Business SDG Day on 18 July (TBC), where B&I members may be asked to participate. 

One item of particular interest is the survey on stocktaking with the private sector on engagement and challenges in achieving the SDGs. This survey is part of the preparations for the SDG Summit and the results will be communicated during the summit in September. In addition to the survey, there will be separate consultations with the private sector on the same issues.  B&I members will be consulted. The survey should be out in early May, and consultations should take place during May and June. We hope you will share and participate in the survey once it is out. 

On 2 May at 10:00 EST (16:00 CEST) during the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, the B&I Group will host a side event titled: Catalytic Private Sector Innovation Solutions in Africa: Coordinating Our Common Agenda Proposals ahead of the SDG Summit. The event will focus on concrete steps the private sector in Africa can take to support a stronger interface between science, business and the wider society as a catalyst to accelerate delivery of the SDGs. Business and government speakers from the region and UN dignitaries will take part. This will be a virtual event. Details will be provided soon.

For any additional information, please contact Dalia Farag at info.ny(at)ioe-emp.com.