Accelerating SDG Action in China: Reflections from Beijing to Shanghai

Ten years of the Belt & Road Initiative were commemorated at the #BRIForum, where world leaders converged to assess the progress of the BRI in?this milestone year, with over 3,000 projects and close to $1 trillion of investments made in infrastructure. President Xi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres , among other world leaders, delivered insightful remarks emphasizing the interconnectedness of infrastructural development to the SDGs.

I had the privilege of addressing Governments and business leaders at the #BRI High-Level Forum on Green Development, stressing the importance of economic viability, inclusivity and sustainability in enterprise projects.

After a year-long collaboration funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (#UNPDF), we unveiled a series of knowledge products, offering businesses practical guidance, data and assessment tools to advance sustainable development under the BRI. These publications are a testament to our commitment to ensuring that businesses under the BRI integrate the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their business strategies and operations.

The week included a meeting with Mr. Li Kexin, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs of China. Mr. Kexin highlighted China's focus on the centrality of multilateral sustainable development, and I updated him on the UN Global Compact's work and business partnerships in China, the ASEAN region and the African continent. China is a keen proponent of South-South cooperation and collaboration.

In Shanghai, I participated in a CEO Roundtable as part of the #ForwardFaster Initiative, underlining the critical role of Chinese companies in achieving the 2030 Agenda. I encourage more CEOs to join this initiative, expanding their commitment to higher levels of ambition and action for the SDGs and responsible business practices.

The Women Leaders Roundtable for the SDGs was a pinnacle moment where we explored the significance of gender equality in sustainable business. The roundtable called on companies to commit to increasing investment in women's leadership-level representation and gender-responsive procurement.

Concluding the mission, we worked on establishing a high-level Advisory Group for the China Office to strengthen our strategy delivery. It was an honour to meet with these leading CEOs, who will play a crucial role in supporting our mission.

As I reflect on my week in Beijing and Shanghai, three pivotal insights emerged. Firstly, China's significant domestic investments in the energy sector highlighted a global need for more substantial commitment to the energy transition, energy access and energy security. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the world's renewable energy resources are effectively utilized at present, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to green energy in a just, sustainable and equitable manner.

Secondly, infrastructural development is a powerful catalyst for broader social and economic progress, linking crucial areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, digital technology, climate action and energy security. The interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals offers the potential for a profound acceleration of critical transitions in key sectors.

Lastly, the opportunities presented by South-South collaboration and cooperation are vast. The dynamic economies, sustainability-focused industry sectors and market potential in these regions could foster mutually beneficial trade, business and investment opportunities, contributing significantly to global development efforts.?

I extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to our esteemed colleagues at the Global Compact China Office for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts that played a pivotal role in making our recent mission a success. Your collective expertise and unwavering professionalism made a significant impact.