Collaborative efforts key to accelerating SDG in Asia Pacific: Experts

Collaborative efforts of global development organisations and their key private sector partners are crucial in realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Asia Pacific, experts said at a three-day discussion beginning on Monday in Dhaka. 

The Regional Partnership Exchange, convened jointly by UNDP and its partners, brings together selected business leaders, Foundations, and UNDP teams to discuss the efforts in mobilising resources for scaling impact and accelerating the development progress in Asia, said a press release. 

Addressing the event, Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Deputy Regional Director, emphasised the growing cooperation between UNDP and businesses throughout Asia and the Pacific. He noted the positive impact this synergy has had on national and local development.

Bahuet also highlighted the untapped potential of UNDP-private sector collaboration, stating, "There is much more that UNDP and companies can do together, and this Regional Exchange can help us identify concrete opportunities to expand existing partnerships and start new ones."

Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, during the opening remarks, said, "By bringing together representatives from the private sector, UNDP's Bangkok Regional Hub, and numerous UNDP Country Offices across South and South East Asia, we are hoping to build a 'whole-of-region' approach to engaging with the private sector, ensuring that insights, experiences, and expertise from different corners of the region are shared."

UNDP, through strategic government relationships, advocates for policies that align business interests with sustainability. Leveraging their extensive experience and the private sector's dynamism, they are uniquely positioned to accelerate the achievements of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, Stefan added.

The discussions are set to focus on creating partnerships in areas such as the Just Energy Transition towards NetZero, Empowering Youth and Women for Sustainable Development, Circular Economy, Technology Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation.

High-level representatives from key private sector companies, including Unilever Bangladesh, Oracle, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Hindustan Unilever, DHL, Samsung, SAP India, NEC India, Euglena, Jetro, Grameenphone, and Uniqlo attended the event.