Special Economic Zones as Engines for the Sustainable Development Goals: The concept of SDG model zones

Taking place in the framework of the UNCTAD World Investment Forum 2021, several issues will be addressed:

• How can SDG model zones transform Special Economic Zones (SEZs) from a race to the bottom in terms of sustainability standards into a race to the top, making sustainable development impact a locational advantage?
• Experience of the Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs): How do the EIP concepts and approaches contribute to circularity, sustainability and the SDGs?
• What are the existing best practices within SEZs with regards to SDG investment strategy, ESG standards compliance and inclusive growth via linkages and spillovers? Case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• What role can international partnerships between financing partners, SEZ developers, host countries, IPAs and outward investment promotion agencies play in the transition towards sustainable-development oriented zones?

Opening: 

• Mr. James X. Zhan, Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD

Panellists:

• Ms. Nilgün Tas, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, UNIDO
• Mr. Samir Hamrouni,Chief Executive Officer, World Free Zones Organization
• Mr. Bernd Oellermann, Director of Regional Industrial Development at the South African Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition
• Mr. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar City Free Zone [TBC]
• Ms. Daenia Ashpole, Director, International Trade Specialist, Jamaica SEZs Authority [TBC]
• Mr. Douglas Zhihua Zeng, Senior Economist, World Bank
• Mr. Ahmed Bennis, Secretary General, Africa Economic Zones Organization
• Mr. Gustavo González de Vega, President, Asociación de Zonas Francas de las Américas
• Mr. Dejene Tezera, Director Department of Agribusiness, UNIDO
• Mr. İsmail Erşahin, Executive Director, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)
• Mr. Richard Bolwijn, Head of Investment Research, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD

Moderator:

• Mr. Jacopo Dettoni, Editor, fDi Intelligence, FT Specialist

Interested participants are required to register here.