In Support of Global Goals: BCIU at UNGA79

As world leaders from 193 member states convene at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the world is facing a set of daunting challenges and crises. The lingering economic impact of the pandemic, inflation, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and a looming conflict in Asia, have made it harder to focus on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a roadmap for creating a better, more sustainable world by 2030.?

Appropriately, the theme of this year’s UNGA gathering is: “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.” But to make significant progress on achieving the SDGs, global leaders and policymakers will need to take a series of critical actions, including engaging the private sector through innovative public-private partnerships.???

BCIU remains a steadfast partner with the UN and member states in these efforts, in part by hosting dozens of programs with the private sector that catalyze action and investments. The following is a sampling of our upcoming programming, all of which can be found here.??

Climate in focus?

Creating more affordable housing is fundamental to achieving SDG 11, which aims to make cities safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. In a session BCIU has organized in partnership with Nuveen, senior-level policy and business leaders?will discuss the progress being made in expanding the global supply of more sustainable affordable housing and what more can be done to achieve greater equity and access to affordable housing.??

During a fireside chat and panel hosted by BCIU and Ares Charitable Foundation, experts will discuss initiatives and offer strategies for giving workers the skills they need to access high-opportunity, high-paying jobs in the growing green economy. Another BCIU discussion in partnership with Topsoe and others will address the crucial role public-private partnerships play in advancing the energy transition and accelerating research, development, and deployment of transformative technologies.?

Government as a key partner?

BCIU is hosting a series of roundtables featuring heads of state and ministers who will be discussing initiatives aimed at boosting economic development, while also advancing sustainability.?

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa will conduct a roundtable on the topic of critical minerals processing. The program will highlight investment opportunities in the critical mineral sector, with a focus on initiatives that can drive local beneficiation, infrastructure development, and technological innovation.??

Angola’s President Jo?o Louren?o will meet for an investor roundtable where participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the country’s economic landscape and the government’s key priorities.? Poland’s President Andrzej Duda will offer a similar investor luncheon roundtable, and likewise engage in an open conversation with attendees on a range of topics, including Poland’s leadership during Russia’s war against Ukraine.??

Promoting a healthier world??

In support of SDG 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all, BCIU, in partnership with GE HealthCare Foundation, has organized a program on improving maternal and child health in emerging economies. Speakers will address the high maternal mortality rate in developing countries, and strategies to better maternal and child health outcomes.?

Eliminating cervical cancer will be the topic of a discussion convened in partnership with BD and Merck. Speakers, who will include leaders from global ministries of health and private sector industry leaders, will discuss how policymakers can do more to support HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screening. Similarly, BCIU will offer a program highlighting cardiovascular disease’s negative impact on society, and the value that can be derived from improving access to diagnostics and by investing in innovative treatments, particularly those related to stroke care.???

A full list of BCIU’s UNGA programming can be found here.??

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