UN Global Compact Network Ghana holds maiden ‘Business Sustainability Dinner’

The United Nations (UN) Global Compact Network Ghana held its inaugural Business Sustainability Dinner in Accra.

Held at the World Trade Centre on Friday, May 3, the prestigious event brought together global leaders, businesses, and stakeholders committed to advancing the UN sustainability goals.

Themed "Achieving Business Outcomes Through The Integration Of Sustainability And The UN Sustainable Development Goals", the event, among other things, inspired attendees with insightful discussions, success stories, and innovative approaches to sustainable challenges.

Aside from providing networking opportunities, the event also recognized businesses and leaders for their exemplary commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Sulemana Koney, Board Chairman of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, noted that "given the aspiration and raison d'etre of the United Nations to leverage the private sector for broad based socioeconomic growth and development, it is important to have these engagements more regularly."

Mr. Koney acknowledged that "the private sector is the engine of economic growth, and a major partner in wealth creation."

Citing figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the World Bank, the UN Global Compact Network Board Chairman revealed that the private sector has contributed to over 70% of Ghana’s GDP.

Delivering the keynote address, UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani bemoaned the lack of progress in attaining the UN SDGs which has only six years left to reach its target time.

UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani

He further noted: "If present trends persist, we are told, by 2030, a staggering 575 million people will remain trapped in extreme poverty and 84 million children will be out of school worldwide."

According to Mr. Abani, "The challenges we face today are universal, and they require universal solutions and cannot be solved through small groupings of states or just by coalitions of the willing."

Addressing the host of consequential and multifaceted risks in today’s world, according to the UN official, requires a reformed multilateralism approach that will create new opportunities geared towards equity and a safer and more peaceful world.

About UN Global Compact:
The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, uniting businesses around the globe to align their strategies and operations with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.

By mobilizing a global network of companies, the UN Global Compact aims to advance sustainable development and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.