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International conference Uniting Business Europe conference was held in Tbilisi
On October 9, an international conference titled ‘UNITING BUSINESS EUROPE – Halfway to 2030: Stock-taking of SDG Progress’ was held in Tbilisi. The conference was organized by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Global Compact Network Georgia in collaboration with European Local Networks.
During the conference, participants assessed the progress made in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) plan and engaged in discussions regarding the importance of partnerships.
The event was addressed by Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary General and CEO, UN Global Compact, Salome Zurabishvili, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia; and Eka Laliashvili, Chair of the UNGCNG Board.
The Assistant Secretary General extended appreciation to all attendees for their participation in this crucial dialogue.
Sanda Ojiambo emphasized the importance of the private sector`s contribution and joint efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She elaborated on the challenges and noted that the global crisis, war, economic instability, and climate change pose a threat to the private and public sectors alike. During her video message, Sanda Ojiambo stated that according to the latest report, on the way to achieve sustainability, companies need guidance and support.
“More and more companies are realizing that when they commit to sustainable business targets, they can build a competitive advantage, better mobilize capital, and position themselves on the cutting edge of the global markets. Our corporate sustainability movement is rapidly gaining momentum worldwide. The UN Global Compact has more than 18 thousand active business participants in over 160 countries and 62 local networks. More than half of these businesses represent Europe. With its diverse economies, cultures, and industries, Europe serves as a dynamic hub for sustainable business and multistakeholder partnerships. Uniting Business Europe demonstrates the spirit of collaboration”,-
–said the CEO of UN Global Compact.
Chair of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia Board, Eka Laliashvili, emphasized the importance of cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.
“Hosting this international conference and week is a great honor for the UN Global Compact Network Georgia. By joining the global agreement, we commit to following the ten principles of the global compact. These principles cover important aspects such as protecting human rights, creating fair working conditions, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption efforts. Our collaboration around these principles is essential for achieving the sustainable global goals set by the United Nations. We’re here not just to speak; we’re here to listen, learn from each other, and explore best practices”, Stated Eka Laliashvili.
According to Salome Zurabishvili, The Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, Progress is evident, yet not at the necessary pace and scale.
„Over the last eight years, we have achieved only 15 percent of our targets. With just seven years left, the imperative to make significant progress is unmistakable. Confronting challenges such as climate change and the global pandemic, escalating social and economic inequalities, corruption, and conflicts, we find ourselves in an era of unprecedented disruption and transformation. The global crisis resulting from ongoing conflicts impacts the core pillars of the sustainable development agenda, and we must address these challenges. While achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030 remains feasible, it demands urgent, widespread, and collaborative actions across stakeholders to significantly fasten the progress. We must commit to bold leadership, transformative business models, and economies to foster justice and inclusivity, leaving no one behind.
The Uniting Business Europe is our opportunity to comprehensively review the private sector’s contribution to advancing the SDGs in Europe and explore business leadership during converging crises, the critical role of a principles-based approach, global trends, and tools and partnerships needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda fully”,- Stated Salome Zurabishvili During her speech.
– Stated Salome Zurabishvili During her speech.
Participants engaged in discussions on crucial topics, including the progress of the private sector in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, corporate sustainability regulations in the European Union, women’s economic empowerment, sustainable financing, sustainable procurement practices, accelerating renewable energy, and other pressing issues.
Uniting Business Europe was attended by UN Global Compact participants and stakeholders: Local and global business leaders; High-ranking government officials; Diplomats, Corporate sustainability experts; Representatives of civil society, international organizations, and local networks of the UN Global Compact from Europe, North America, and Central Asia.
The Uniting Business Europe is organized with the support from the Swedish Government and USAID Civil Society Engagement Program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
General sponsors of the event were TBC Bank, Rooms Hotels, Sustainera Solutions, NEQSOL HOLDING, and Tegeta Holding.
Sponsors: Bank of Georgia, BDO Georgia, Wandernet Express, LU-MUN HOLDING and Elite Electronics.
Information supporters of the international conference were Business Formula, Business Media Georgia (BMG), Caucasus Business Week, Commersant, Fortuna Holding, Business Insider, Georgia Today, and Business Partner.
