All Eyes on the SDG Business Forum 2017

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Do Business and Politics Mix?

The second annual SDG Business Forum takes place at the United Nations on 18 July 2017 during the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda recognizes the critical role of business in delivering on the promise of sustainable and inclusive development.

The private sector has been invited to share its support for the Agenda during the HLPF at the SDG Business Forum. The SDG Business Forum convenes leaders from business and government, together with the heads of UN agencies, key international organizations and civil society groups to delve into the role business will play in delivering the 2030 Agenda

What is needed to achieve the goals under the 2030 Agenda?

A careful review of 70 years of the United Nations’ economic advice reveals that the analysis still remains relevant to guiding countries through a difficult current global economic situation and for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to the World Economic and Social Survey launched last week by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Key lessons for implementing the SDGs Lessons from the past 70 years of development history that are relevant to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasize that:

1. The global economy needs strong institutions and coordinated international action.
2. Stability in the international monetary and trade systems underpins development.
3. Countries need adequate policy space to accelerate development.
4. International solidarity is the foundation for development and rebuilding the global economy.
5. Development is multidimensional, context-specific and about transformation, underpinned by strategic development planning and strengthened State capacity.

The state of play

In this regard, an open multilateral trading system is fundamental for continued growth and development. At the same time, it is critical to ensure that such a system results in positive development outcomes regarding those who are being left behind and those who are vulnerable to economic disruption, climate shocks or conflict. It is also critical that inequality be tackled head on, particularly within the context of globalization and technological progress, low-emissions and high-growth economic pathways which are transforming the very essence of labor demand.