Join the Policy Forum on Development Global Meeting in Brussels on 13-15 March 2019

The Policy Forum on Development (PFD) is a European Commission-supported multi-stakeholder platform that brings together civil society organisations, the organised private sector and local authorities to dialogue on critical development issues. The IOE's strong relationship with the European Commission and involvement in the PFD over several years ensures the private sector perspective is taken into account in the design and implementation of the EU's development objectives, including the achievement of the SDGs.

Dear Members,

The 2019 edition of the Global Policy Forum on Development will take place in Brussels, Belgium from 13 - 15 March 2019.

Recalling that the New European Consensus on Development supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through policy coherence and cooperation (SDG 17), IOE participation in such forums affirms the private sector contribution to the SDGs, which is a shared IOE-EU priority.

Previous IOE communications have outlined how the IOE supports its members to participate, including as panellists, in the PFD at regional and global levels. Indeed, members from Colombia, Malaysia, Senegal and South Africa contributed to the success of the 2018 edition of the Global PFD, underscoring the commitment of business to work alongside partners and governments to shape an enabling environment for the private sector to contribute to development.

This 2019 Global PFD has as its overall theme:

How our partnerships strengthen the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Panel discussions, one of which will be moderated by IOE Deputy Secretary-General Mr Matthias Thorns, will explore case studies of partnerships for the implementation of the SDGs.

The IOE is calling on its members to propose prospective candidates from their organisations to participate generally and to contribute specifically to the following panel discussions:

  •  Successful experiences of partnerships for the implementation of the SDGs at local level (SDG 17 in practice)
  • Innovating financing for the SDGs at local level (private sector, domestic resource mobilization, multi-stakeholder partnerships)
  • Environment and climate change: How have multi-stakeholder partnerships supported the achievements of the SDGs?  

There is limited funding to support the participation of up to five IOE members.

If you would like to propose your candidature as a participant/panellist, please contact Ms Anetha Awuku or Ms Caroline Balikungeri at the IOE as soon as possible and by 4 March 2019 at the latest with information on your role in your organisation and area of expertise in terms of the topics to be treated.  

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to represent the voice of business in your country at this important global forum.  A provisional agenda may be found in the "Resource" section of this communication.

Kind regards,

Roberto Suárez Santos

Secretary-General

IOE address

71 Avenue Louis-Casaï
1216 Cointrin
Geneva, Switzerland

T: +41 22 929 00 00
F: +41 22 929 00 01

ioe(at)ioe-emp.com