Excellencies,
Business leaders,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my honour to address you at the closing of the 2024 SDG Global Business Forum.
On behalf of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, I’d like to thank the UN Global Compact, International Organisation of Employers, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, for their collaboration in organizing this annual Forum.
My gratitude also goes to our distinguished speakers today, for highlighting the indispensable role of the private sector in eradicating poverty, creating decent jobs for all, combating climate change, transforming our food systems and strengthening governance and accountability.
It is not just the grand milestones that matter.
It is through our everyday actions and decisions that we can bring about the fundamental change and the transformation we need. And by the strategic alliances that you are building to change the status quo.
I thank you all for being part of the force for positive change.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As evidenced by the most recent SDG Report launched by the Secretary-General just a few days ago, the world is far from where we need to be to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. I share the sense of urgency of those who have spoken before me.
I welcome the collective efforts of business leaders to support multilateralism and participate in shaping a more conducive environment to unlock business potential.
Let us bring all our human capacities, financial resources, technological solutions together to confront the global challenges.
Looking ahead, to the Summit of the Future in September and to the International Conference on Financing for Development and Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025, we have important opportunities to cement stronger and more effective international cooperation and partnerships.
Let’s make these moments count. We have no time to lose.
I thank you!