Private Sector Crucial for Sustainable Development Goals’ Success by Fostering Innovation, Best Practices, Secretary-General Tells Business Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the SDG [Sustainable Development Goals] Business Forum, held today:

I am pleased to greet this seventh annual SDG Business Forum.  I welcome your efforts to bring the private sector together to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.

Our world is grappling with cascading crises:  conflicts, climate change, COVID-19.  Lives and livelihoods are being devastated by extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, runaway inflation and ever-growing inequality.

We must act now.  To transform education and healthcare.  To create opportunities for young people and women.  To keep the 1.5°C target alive, invest in renewable energies and “climate-proof” our economies.

The private sector is critical.  Platforms like the SDG Business Forum are crucial for fostering innovation, building partnerships, driving accountability, and ensuring that business practices are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Together, let us build prosperous and resilient businesses, economies, and societies for all.  Thank you.