Mobilizing the private sector to achieve Sustainable Development Goals

BRUSSELS, 4 November 2015 – The importance of mobilizing the private sector for achieving  the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was highlighted at a Brussels conference today.

The event was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Union (EU DEVCO)  on the occasion of the “2015 European Year for Development”, and attracted more than 80 participants.

The conference also showcased some of UNIDO’s flagship projects that aim to foster the sustainable transfer of environmentally sound technologies and innovative chemicals management methods. Implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the EU and EU member states, such projects include Chemical Leasing,  Greening economies in the European Union’s Eastern neighbourhood, Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production programme and SwitchMed.

Stressing UNIDO’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative to the EU, said: “With the support of the EU, UNIDO has been working closely with the private sector on sustainable development and climate action. While SDG 9 refers explicitly to the mandate of UNIDO, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development, it is important to highlight that UNIDO’s activities contribute to all SDGs, from jobs creation to women empowerment, from sustainable energy and production to climate action.”

Participants at the event also identified emerging thematic areas and potential partnerships amongst development actors at the national, regional and global levels.

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