UPCOMING: Bringing the voice of business to the 2023 UN High-level Political Forum on SDGs

The UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2023 will run from 10-19 July at the United Nations in New York under the theme “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”. The HLPF is the central United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level.

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE), strong of its global 150 Employer and Business Membership Organisations will organise or speak in an array of events intricately linked to the Forum or happening alongside it. From dynamic discussions to thought-provoking sideline activities, IOE members and senior professionals will enrich the Forum with their invaluable insights.

Below is a list of those events and details on who from the IOE delegation will be among the featured speakers or panelists.

Expert dialogue: "Charting the Pathway Towards Accelerated Digital Transformation in Africa" organised by IOE, KAS and ACET

Wednesday, 12 July at 13:00 EST (19:00 CEST)
In-person event. 

This event is part of a series of expert dialogues among policymakers and development partners to identify best practices and concrete policy actions to accelerate the development of digital skills in Africa.

More information here.

HLPF Plenary session: African countries, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries - Turning the tide, regaining lost ground and embarking on the road to the SDGs

Thursday, 13 July at 16:15 EST (22:15 CEST)
Live streaming available on UN.TV

Following the LDC5 Conference’s outcomes in March 2023, this plenary session aims to delve into the game-changing actions to implement the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs and to identify potential solutions to support crisis response, recovery, and SDG progress. IOE will showcase the private sector’s inputs and testimonials from the business community to highlight the work undertaken by IOE and partners to develop the Doha 5-point private sector strategy for SDG advancement.

UN Global Compact/IOE Breakfast

Monday, 17 July at 8:00 EST
In-person event

This informal breakfast will bring together employers’ organisation representatives from Portugal, Ecuador, and Fiji and business experts to share insights and recommendations on the active role of the private sector in the sustainable development agenda. The discussion will also focus on a review of the first results of the SDG Stock Take survey carried out with companies across the globe.

IOE Speakers:

• Jérôme Bellion-Jourdan, IOE Deputy Secretary-General
• Silvia Machado, Senior Adviser on Climate, Confederation of Portuguese Business
• María Paz Jervis, President, Confederation of Ecuador Business
• Sandeep Chauahm, Former President of FCEF Fiji and Director at Star Printery Pte. Limited
• Christelle Veringa, CEO & Founder at MannaLola, DRC

IOE-Deloitte Business session at HLPF

Monday, 17 July at 16:30 EST
In-person event. By invitation only.

Register here.

This event will provide a unique platform to foster public-private dialogues and catalyse new partnerships and alliances. IOE and Deloitte will review the progress made halfway through the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and focus on the impact and commitment of the private sector to meaningfully contribute to the SDGs.

IOE Speakers:

• Michele Parmelee, President, International Organisation of Employers
• Jérôme Bellion Jourdan, Deputy Secretary General, International Organisation of Employers
• Silvia Machado, Senior Adviser on Climate, Confederation of Portuguese Business
• María Paz Jervis, President, Confederation of Ecuador Business

SDG Global Business Forum, organised by the UN Global Compact, IOE, UN DESA and WBCSD

Tuesday, 18 July at 8:30 EST (14:30 CEST)
Virtual session from 8:30-9:30 EST and in-person event only from 10:00-12:00 EST.

Register here for the virtual session.

Recognising the private sector’s indispensable role as a primary driver for employment, innovation, consumption, and production patterns, the 2023 SDG Global Business Forum will welcome a global community of movers and shakers, problem solvers and innovators to review trends, discuss priorities, build alliances and co-create high-impact business solutions to turbocharge the SDGs in the remaining seven years before 2030.

More information here.

IOE Speakers:

• Michele Parmelee, President, International Organisation of Employers
• María Paz Jervis, President, Confederation of Ecuador Business
• Mossadeck Bally, Chief Executive Officer, Azalaï Hotels Group & President of the Employers Federation of Mali
• Thierry-Marie H. Rajaona, Managing Partner, FTHM Consulting & President of Madagascar Employer Federation