SDGs Archives

Building on the success of USCIB’s annual Geneva Week, USCIB held a “mini” New York UN Week June 9-11 to strengthen lines of communication between the private sector and key UN agencies and missions based in New York. Discussions focused on UN80 Reform, the upcoming UN High Level Week, the Post 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future, business access to the UN, and new Secretary General candidates and the selection process.

The USCIB delegation, which included member representatives from AB InBev, American Chemistry Council, BAT, DIAGEO, E&Y, Ferrero, HP, Kenvue, and Microsoft visited UN missions, including Argentina, Albania, Brazil, France, Italy, Jamaica, Namibia, Norway, and the United States. The delegation also meet with senior representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

Notably, the delegation had the unique opportunity to engage directly with key representatives and co-facilitators of major intergovernmental processes, including those leading discussions on the Pact for the Future, UN80 reform workstreams, and the High Level Political Forum Ministerial Declaration. These exchanges offered valuable insight into the evolving direction of multilateral priorities and reform efforts at a critical juncture for the UN system.

Engagements with the United States Mission to the UN further enabled a constructive exchange on US perspectives on multilateral engagement, including evolving approaches such as “Trade Over Aid” and the implications for private sector participation in UN processes.

Across all meetings, discussions underscored a shared interest in strengthening structured and practical collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector, recognizing the important role of business in supporting implementation, innovation, and investment in advancing global priorities.

USCIB is pleased to announce that Norine Kennedy has taken on new roles as Senior Vice President for Global Strategy and United Nations Affairs, and Executive Director of The USCIB Foundation.   

“USCIB and the United Nations both celebrate 80th anniversaries in 2025, when international collaboration is essential to take on global challenges,” said Whitney Baird, President and CEO of USCIB. “In this newly created position focused on UN Affairs, Norine will leverage her decades of experience working with UN agencies to further advance USCIB’s advocacy on behalf of our members. She will also oversee The USCIB Foundation, the research and education arm of USCIB, moving forward projects like The Business Pact for the Future, a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.” 

 

During the past two weeks, USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad has led a multisectoral delegation of USCIB members to this year’s UN Climate Summit (COP29) convened in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 21.  

The conference represents the largest multilateral convening globally each year and serves as the forum where countries come together to negotiate and decide on key items to continue the implementation of the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. 

Throughout the two weeks, Vinblad has been actively following technical negotiations, especially focusing on items related to just transition, mitigation, and climate finance. Other items of high priority for USCIB members include adaptation, and matters pertaining to carbon pricing and voluntary carbon markets.

With negotiations in their final stages, significant and concerning challenges remain – especially on climate finance. USCIB will be in Baku until the closure of the session and will provide analysis of the final decisions coming out of COP29.
 

USCIB at COP29:

November 12:  

Vinblad was invited by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) to speak on a panel to discuss “Industry Leadership in Advancing Green Economy Goals through Systems Change and Innovation.” 

Along with Vinblad, the Chairman of Bain & Company Turkey Volkan Kara was also part of the conversation. Director of Sustainability and Climate for Deloitte Consulting Nadja Glaeser served as moderator.

In her remarks, Vinblad emphasized the importance of inclusion of business leaders, building climate resilience, and policy harmonization and interoperability. 

November 13:  

Vinblad coordinated and led a bilateral meeting for a group of global business representatives with Jake Levine, Special Assistant to the President, and Senior Director of Climate and Energy at the White House National Security Council. 

November 14:  

Vinblad represented the Global Business and Industry Constituency during a dialogue between the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). During her intervention, Vinblad emphasized the call for action from business to negotiators to include clear political signals in the new global finance goal to incentivize investment and align financial flows with the targets of the Paris Agreement.  

November 15: 

USCIB, together with the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), co-organized an official UNFCCC Side Event, convened under the title “Private Sector Leadership on NDCs 3.0: Mobilizing Finance & Business Innovation for Implementation”. Vinblad delivered brief intro remarks and emceed the session. The event highlighted the key role of global business and industry in supporting robust next-round NDCs to catalyze investment, mobilize finance, and support business innovation, while also being critical actors in accelerating just transition efforts. The discussions touched upon best practices, gaps and opportunities, and emphasized COP29 and COP30 as critical milestone opportunities for the world to get back on track. 

Keynote remarks were delivered by Jacinda Nijke, Climate Champions Africa Finance Lead, and Managing Director, Ambition Loop: Climate Capital Mobilization Accelerator.

Additional speakers included: 

• James Schofield, Industrial Transition Accelerator / Mission Possible Partnership 

• Naadira Ogeer, Economic Adviser in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Ocean and Natural Resources Advisory Division 

• Anibor Kragha, African Refiners and Distribution Association 

• Azira Azizan, General Manager, Policy & Regulations, Petronas Corporate Sustainability  

• Alex McNamara, Manager Climate & Water at National Business Initiative, South Africa (NBI) 

November 16:  

USCIB, together with the US Chamber of Commerce, convened a side event under the Major Economies Business Forum (BizMEF) partnership. USCIB and the US Chamber of Commerce are cofounders of BizMEF, and have convened annual Global Business Dialogues at every Climate COP since 2009.  

This year’s event was convened under the title, “Business Leadership for next NDCs – Investment, Innovation & Implementation.” The session was generously hosted in the green zone pavilion of the Brazilian National Industry Confederation (CNI), building momentum for Climate COP30 which will take place in Belem in Brazil.

The BizMEF global partnership includes key business associations and employers federations from across all major economies, inclusive of BusinessEurope, the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the Brazilian National Industry Confederation (CNI), the Confederation of German Industry (BDI), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), CEOE (Federation of Spanish Industry), and many others.  

Keynote remarks were delivered by Rick Duke, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Office of the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, US Department of State. 

November 19: 

Vinblad represented the Global Business and Industry Constituency during a dialogue between the UNFCCC Climate Change High-Level Champions and Constituencies. Nigar Arpadarai is the COP29 Climate Change High-Level Champion, she was joined by Razan Al Mubarak – the COP28 Climate Change High-Level Champion.  

During her remarks, Vinblad highlighted the COP29 Presidency-led Baku Initiative on Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) and its potential to galvanize action on private sector climate finance, while also emphasizing the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the transition. 

For more information, please contact Agnes Vinblad.

USCIB Member Jai Motwane, Head of Global Trade Policy at Apple, defended business priorities on circularity as part of an OECD forum October 10-11 on “The Role of Interntaional Trade and Investment for the Green Transition.”  

Motwane detailed Apple’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030 and underscored the need for global policies that support business models that integrate circularity into product design. His remarks were well-received by OECD officials and government representatives attending the forum.  

USCIB advanced Motwane for the panel with USCIB Senior Vice President for Trade, Investment, and Digital Policy Alice Slayton Clark in attendance. According to Clark, “it is so important that policy officials hear more from the companies who are often out front developing practical solutions to today’s environmental challenges. We expect Jai’s insights will influence future discussions and policies on green trade and investment at the OECD.” 

Key highlights from Motwane’s remarks include: 

Apple’s Commitment to Sustainability 

• Recycled Materials: Over 20% of the mass of Apple products comes from recycled sources. For instance, 50% of MacBooks are made from recycled materials, and Apple Watch batteries use 100% recycled cobalt. 

• Product Longevity: Apple aims to increase the lifespan of its products through more durable hardware, enhanced repair services, and software updates. They also have an active take-back program, offering financial incentives for trading in old devices. 

Role of Trade in Environmental Sustainability 

• Trade Barriers: Current trade rules often hinder the movement of end-of-life products and refurbished goods. For example, some countries do not allow fully refurbished products to enter. 

• Basel Convention: While the Basel Convention aims to manage waste responsibly, it can create barriers to circularity. Motwane suggested that policymakers need to develop laws that facilitate business engagement in the circular economy. 

Policy Recommendations 

• Refurbished Products: An example of good governance in this area is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which treats as refurbished goods with the same warranty and characteristics as new for purposes of tariffs and quantitative restrictions. 

• Trusted Trader Programs: He suggested that the OECD consider a trusted trader program, similar to the authorized economic operators, to streamline the movement of materials.  

USCIB Senior Vice President for Trade, Investment, and Digital Policy Alice Slayton Clark spoke at the “Revitalizing Global Discussions on Service Trade: Trends, Opportunities & Challenges” workshop organized by Global Affairs Canada, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Clark joined stakeholders from the United Kingdom Mission to Geneva, the Coalition of Services Industries, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to discuss the importance of facilitating services trade through simpler regulations, reduction in non-tariff barriers, and alignment of standards. They also emphasized a need to revitalize conversations on service trade to boost global growth. 

According to Clark, “the ultimate goal is to avoid fragmentation, reduce costs, and improve interoperability across countries. If we clear some of these hurdles, there are real opportunities ahead – not just for business, but for societies as a whole.”  

Speaking on behalf of Business at OECD, Clark focused on the benefits of services trade to sustainability and digital connectivity and urged stronger collaboration with the private sector as imperative in delivering practical, real-world frameworks for global services trade that benefit companies on the ground. 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) published an article on October 3 quoting USCIB President and CEO Whitney Baird. The article recaps the recent launch of the World Social Protections Report 2024-2026, held during the UN General Assembly, and summarizes some of the remarks made by thought leaders on the impacts of the climate crisis on the world’s most vulnerable populations. 

According to the ILO, there was consensus across the board that social protection is a prerequisite for a just and sustainable transition. 

Baird was quoted saying that “social protection systems are, and will be, key in the context of a just transition, especially considering that the climate crisis will exacerbate existing challenges.”  

Read the full article here. 

USCIB is pleased to share a comprehensive, chronological recap of our activity during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). USCIB leadership and policy staff covered a wide range of high-level meetings and events and were excited to support many of our members’ activities. From discussions on digital policy to climate change to food systems, USCIB was at the table highlighting the critical role that US businesses play in helping solve our world’s greatest challenges. USCIB celebrated the UN’s adoption of the UN Pact for the Future during the Summit of the Future (SOTF) and launched a parallel Business Pact for the Future to accelerate implementation of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.  

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International Equal Pay Day Event and Reception  
September 18  

Hosted by the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), the ILO, UN Women, and the OECD in celebration of International Equal Pay Day, this event raised awareness of successful policies, initiatives, and tools that are reducing the gender pay gap. USCIB Policy Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Gabrielle Girard attended the event. 

 

Business Pact for the Future Launch 
September 20 

USCIB and The USCIB Foundation hosted a “Business Pact for the Future (BPF)” launch event for the UN community and the private sector at the Yale Club of New York on September 20. BPF is a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, a centerpiece of the SOTF. UN Ambassadors from Canada and the United States, UN representatives from the UN Foundation and UNDP, as well as USCIB leadership—President & CEO Whitney Baird and SVP for Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy—spoke at this event. Members from Novonesis, Microsoft, and Salesforce also spoke.  Read more about this event.  

 

Fostering Economic and Collective Resilience in a Fractured Global Financial Landscape: Solutions for a Path Forward 
September 21 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird spoke at this official UN Action Day side event hosted by the Mission of Mexico to the UN, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the NGO Civil Society Committee. Baird’s remarks focused on the business community’s view that enabling frameworks are key for economic resilience, including the policy and market rules that support multilateral trade, investment, and domestic resource deployment necessary to advance the SDGs. Other speakers from the International Monetary Fund, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, World Vision International, and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) shared their priorities for the 4th UN International Conference on Finance for Development (FfD4), to be held in Spain next summer.   

 

The Global Digital Compact: A Roadmap to Advance Sustainable Digital Transformation for an Equitable and Sustainable World  
September 21

This High-Level Roundtable, convened as part of the SOTF, presented a roadmap towards the implementation of the UN Global Digital Compact (GDC), an important SOTF outcome. The event was hosted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (OSET). USCIB members Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce spoke about digital inclusion, universal connectivity, and how to work together to build a digital future for all. 

 

The AI Opportunity Summit for UN Leaders  
September 22 

USCIB VP for Digital Policy Cheryl Miller attended this Summit, hosted by USCIB member Microsoft. Participants heard from Microsoft CEO Brad Smith about “tech stack” and how technology can empower kids with education, create environmental solutions, and broadly support the UN SDGs. 

 

Representation Matters Reception 
September 22 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird attended this event hosted by USCIB member Salesforce and Women Political Leaders (WPL) to hear from inspirational executives that are championing the cause of women in leadership and policy. The guiding principles of the Pact for the Future—inclusive governance, multilateral cooperation, and equitable representation—remained at the forefront of conversations at this event. From dialogues on increasing representation to tackling AI-driven abuse and addressing health equity, the critical role of women’s leadership has been evident throughout UNGA. 

 

Designing the Future of the Plastics Industry  
September 23 

This high-level breakfast roundtable, hosted by USCIB, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), and the World Plastics Council (WPC) discussed the future of the plastics industry ahead of the final negotiating round for a global plastic pollution treaty. Senior business leaders and key government participants engaged in an open discussion on central issues related to plastic pollution and the INC process. USCIB President and CEO Whitney Baird provided opening remarks and a wide range of USCIB members participated.  

 

Financing the Energy Transition   
September 23 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird participated in this high-level roundtable, organized by ICC Global and ICC Brazil. The event was hosted at USCIB member law firm Baker & McKenzie and included approximately 40 multisectoral business representatives from across the world. Christophe McGlade, Head of Energy Supply at the International Energy Agency (IEA) led the discussion, presenting research on challenges pertaining to accelerating the energy transition in developing and emerging economies. Discussions focused on innovative financing solutions to better leverage private capital, such as blended finance, concessional finance, and the urgent need for derisking of energy infrastructure projects across the Global South. 

 

UNGA 2024 Global Stage Reception  
September 23

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird and ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined representatives across business, government, civil society, and the technical community at the UNGA 2024 Global State Reception hosted by USCIB member Microsoft.  As we work to build an inclusive and people-centered digital economy for all, the Secretary General explained that we need “universal meaningful connectivity” at the outset of building advanced technologies. 

 

Launch of the World Social Protection Report 2024-2026  
September 24 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird spoke at the launch of the World Social Protection Report 2024-2026 on behalf of IOE. The event was held at the UN and hosted by the South Africa Mission to the UN, represented by Dr. Dion George MP, and the International Labour Organization, represented by Director–General Gilbert F. Houngbo. International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary Luc Triangle also spoke at the event. It was also attended by the USCIB Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Team: Ewa Staworzynska, Jose Arroyo, and Gabrielle Girard. Read more about this event. 

 

Turbocharging UN 2.0: Business as a Catalyst for Global Progress  
September 24 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird joined IOE, Salesforce, and US Ambassador Chris Lu at “Turbocharging the UN 2.0,” an open dialogue on the challenges facing the private sector in partnering with the UN, particularly on SDG implementation.  From AI re-skilling programs to innovative ways to share data, it is clear that employers are doing a great deal. Global/local partnerships are key to multistakeholder engagement.

 

Food System Innovations, Disruptions, and Transparency  
September 24 

Hosted by USCIB member Deloitte, this event brought together food systems stakeholders and advocates to share the challenges they are facing now and, in the future, and how companies are innovating to create sustainable food value chains. As companies face system shocks from climate change, conflict, competition, and other areas, the solutions needed require collaboration and investment. USCIB Director for International Agriculture Policy Natalie Bidner attended this event. 

 

Reception on Global Food Security Initiatives  
September 24 

USCIB Director for International Agriculture Policy Natalie Bidner attended this reception, hosted at the Roosevelt House for Public Policy. The reception was an intimate gathering of leaders working in Guatemala to implement the Vision for Adapted Crops & Soils (VACS) and Regenerative Agriculture. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez, USCIB member Cargill, and others spoke on the importance of supporting and announcing $5 million in food security assistance to Guatemalan farmers to achieve food security and resilient food systems. 

 

Leading Change with Sustainability and Responsible AI: Harnessing Digitalization for a Better Future  
September 24 

USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad attended this event hosted at One World Trade Center. Conversations at the event were guided by the UN SOTF and focused on how public and private sectors worldwide are harnessing the power of digitalization, accelerated by AI, to create a socially and environmentally sustainable future for all. This event was organized by Celonis and discussions centered on the potential of AI and other advanced technologies in accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement and other key multilateral environmental agreements.  

 

Walmart Salon Dinner on Sourcing Resiliency and Supplier Development  
September 24 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird attended a salon dinner curated by Walmart. Experts from business, think tanks, and multilateral institutions discussed sourcing resilience and inclusive growth. Throughout the dinner, participants also discussed topics shaping the future of global supply chains and inclusive business practices and came away with some actionable insights to shape strategies that enhance resilience.  

 

Reimagining Trust: People-Powered Policy Making for an Inclusive Digital Future  
September 25 

USCIB partnered with Walmart to host this breakfast roundtable on using digital tools to build trust in the communities where we operate. USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird gave opening remarks.  Baird’s remarks focused on the importance of public and private partnerships and how digital policies should better respond to and reflect lived experiences. USCIB is seeking to foster people-powered policymaking through its recently launched Business Pact for the Future, a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, a centerpiece of the SOTF.  USCIB, Mastercard, Microsoft, Walmart, and several academic and civil society groups discussed how to build trust and overcome the digital divide. Read more here.

 

The Global Digital Compact: Reflecting on the Role of the State in the Digital Economy  
September 25 

USCIB President & CEO Whitney Baird moderated this roundtable, hosted by Mastercard on the GDC. USCIB VP for Digital Policy Cheryl Miller spoke at the event about the future of digital public infrastructure and the outcomes of the GDC. USCIB members Apple and Microsoft also attended. 

 

Washington Post Live – This is Climate: Innovating for the Future  
September 25 

USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad attended this event, jointly hosted by Washington Post and Samsung. This series of on-stage conversations centered on innovative climate tech solutions to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. This live news program featured Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor and James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Technology and Society Research at USCIB member company Google. Some key solutions referenced include the critical role of leveraging advanced technologies to develop early climate disaster warning systems and the potential to increase energy efficiency through incentivizing tax credits.  

 

Agriculture Climate Week Events   
September 25 

The International Agri-Food Network hosted a day of events to support the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN’s Commit to Grow Equality initiative and gender equity in food systems. During the events, discussions focused on sustainable forestry practices and holistic livestock management to support healthy soils and ecosystems. These events highlighted the efforts of farmers, coalitions, businesses, researchers, and governments are making to support healthy and resilient ecosystems to pass onto the next generation. USCIB Director for International Agriculture Policy Natalie Bidner attended these events. 

 

Feeding a Fragile World: Building Resilient Food Systems and Reception  
September 25 

Economist Impact brought together the head of the Alliance for a Green Revolution (AGRA) and the business community to showcase a new initiative—the Food Imperative—to support decision-makers with data and insights to rethink sustainable food systems. Participants heard from Lineage, Nestle, Danone, and EIT Food on their initiatives to create resilient food systems and how agriculture will plan into the national adaptation plans. USCIB Director for International Agriculture Policy Natalie Bidner attended this event. 

 

2024 World Biodiversity Summit  
September 26 

The 2024 World Biodiversity Summit gathered key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to engage in constructive discussions on how to achieve the greatest possible progress at the upcoming UN Biodiversity COP16, where many critical negotiation items will be up for decision. USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad attended this day-long event, where key agenda items covered: the urgent need to further mobilize investment in nature-based solutions, how to better integrate climate and biodiversity considerations, as well as the strong need to simplify and promote harmonization across biodiversity reporting standards and disclosure frameworks.  

 

High Level Dialogue on the Role of Private Sector in the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT)  
September 26 

On the final morning of Climate Week, the COP29 Climate Champions Team and the COP29 Presidency convened a high-level discussion on the recently launched COP29 Presidency Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT). USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad attended this dialogue. This is a new partnership aimed at enhancing coherence by better integrating climate finance, investment, trade, and sustainable development agendas. The goal of BICFIT is to ensure that climate finance, investment, and trade are considered in national climate policies and development plans, while also exploring ways to attract climate-positive investments.  

 

Implementing Inclusive Workplace Practices: Lessons from Brazil and the Global Business Community 
September 26 

USCIB SVP for Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy attended this event hosted by The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). As co-chair of the B20 Brazil Women, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Council, SHRM convened business leaders, human resources professionals, and corporate policymakers to highlight the B20 Action Council’s policy recommendations and share innovative approaches to enhancing equity and inclusion in global workplaces. Organized by SHRM Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary Emily Dickens (USCIB Board Member), the event featured LinkedIn Head of Global Public Policy Partnerships Sarah Steinberg and ICC Brazil Executive Director Gabriella Dorlhiac. 

 

We look forward to an even more action-packed session next year, when the 80th anniversary of the United Nations coincides with the 80th anniversary of USCIB. 

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The OECD-IEA (International Energy Agency) Climate Change Expert Group (CCXG) convened its Global Forum on the Environment and Climate Change at the OECD headquarters in Paris from September 17-18. USCIB Director for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad served as the global lead Business at OECD (BIAC) delegate. Vinblad made interventions on behalf of business and industry in discussions on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), countries’ national climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.  

USCIB member Charles Franklin (American Chemistry Council) also actively participated in the Forum, while USCIB members from Bayer, Chevron, and ExxonMobil attended the sessions virtually.  

The CCXG Global Forums are convened twice a year and bring together climate negotiators and delegates from both developed and developing countries, representatives from the private sector, and broader civil society, and other experts, to discuss items currently under negotiation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

This CCXG Global Forum served as a preparatory informal discussion ahead of the 29th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP29), scheduled for November in Baku, with numerous climate negotiators from key governments attending, including representatives from the US Delegation. Discussions focused on:  

• The NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal), also known as “the new global climate finance goal,” and, 

• Mitigation elements of next NDCs 

“The private sector should be a key knowledge partner for countries in their process to develop next NDCs, especially when it comes to identifying and prioritizing investment needs and identifying and addressing barriers,” said Vinblad. 

“The global business community strongly supports countries prioritizing an investment lens when thinking about the implementation of their NDCs. We encourage countries to develop investment plans to underpin their NDCs. Businesses look towards NDCs for signals and depend on a policy environment that promotes predictability, stability, and that provides clear incentives,” Vinblad continued. 

As the sole official US affiliate of Business at OECD (BIAC), USCIB members have unique access to contribute to – and participate in – OECD processes and meetings. 

USCIB and The USCIB Foundation hosted a “Business Pact for the Future (BPF)” launch event for the UN community and the private sector at the Yale Club of New York on September 20. BPF is a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, a centerpiece of the UN Summit of the Future (SOTF).   

UN Ambassadors from Canada and the United States, UN representatives from the UN Foundation and UNDP, as well as USCIB leadership and members from Novonesis, Microsoft, and Salesforce spoke at the event.  

The Business Pact will explore new pathways and calls for an all-of-society approach to strengthen business-UN cooperation to advance the UN’s global goals and explore new interfaces for the private sector with the multilateral system.   

“We must speed up our efforts to deliver on the SDGs. And we must – and will – use the private sector to help do so,” said Novonesis President and CEO Ester Baiget, a USCIB Trustee. “Businesses and business leaders play a critical role, because without economic growth and shared prosperity, the pursuit of sustainability is not possible.” 

Ambassador Robert Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN as well as Ambassador Chris Lu, US Ambassador to the UN for Management and Reform, spoke about the critical and necessary role of the private sector in the multilateral system.  

Ambassador Rae emphasized businesses as the drivers of change while Ambassador Lu called for the establishment of a business envoy at the UN. 

“There has never been as much opportunity as there is now,” said USCIB member Howard Wachtel, Senior Director, Head of UN and International Organizations Policy at Microsoft. “Governments alone cannot solve these challenges. You need the SOTF and all the principles outlined in the Global Digital Compact (GDC) to help accelerate progress on the SDGs. There has been a unique opening for the private sector to be part of the conversation.  A lot of that has gone through USCIB. BPF is really important.” 

“BPF is really core to the way forward,” said USCIB member Nancy DeVore, Senior Director, Strategic Relations (AMER) at Salesforce.  

“USCIB has had a unique role in the UN with nearly 80 years of partnership across the multilateral system as a long-term, dedicated partner and solutions provider,” said USCIB Chair Eric Loeb, Executive Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Salesforce, who delivered remarks remotely. “It’s exciting to see USCIB’s new BPF highlight innovation as a way to accelerate progress across the international community. Innovation in all its forms—from technology to information to partnership—can help accelerate our achievement of the 2030 Agenda and Summit of the Future outcomes.’ 

USCIB President and CEO Whitney Baird said: “This is just the beginning of this venture, and we really appreciate the support from our members. We invite all of you to come along with us. Multilateralism is in our DNA, and we, on behalf of our members, were early adopters and supporters of the SDGs, the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, and of the Convention on Biological Diversity, among other international frameworks that are priorities for our members.”   

The Business Pact is a joint project of USCIB’s Moving the Needle initiative and The USCIB Foundation. The Business Pact is a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and to carry the momentum of a centerpiece of the SOTF forward to the 4th International Conference on Finance for Development and the 2nd World Social Summit in 2025. 

New York, NY, September 23, 2024—The US Council for International Business (USCIB) welcomes the adoption of the United Nations “Pact for the Future” during today’s Summit of the Future, convened during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  

The Pact sets out an all-of-society mobilization to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and envisions a transformation of international financial architecture and global governance.   

The Pact calls on all stakeholders, including business, to act in “cooperative partnership.”  

USCIB, which serves as the voice of US business at the UN and other multilateral organizations, supports the adoption of the Pact. According to Whitney Baird, USCIB President and CEO, “Business is an essential partner in implementation across the Pact.” 

USCIB recently launched the Business Pact for the Future to highlight the importance of engaging business across the UN system. The Business Pact for the Future is a business initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The Business Pact will explore new pathways to strengthen business-UN cooperation to advance the UN’s global goals. The Business Pact is a joint project of USCIB’s Moving the Needle initiative and The USCIB Foundation.   

About USCIB  

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) powers the success of US business across the globe. Our members include US-based companies and professional services firms from every sector of the economy, with operations in every region of the world. As the US affiliate of leading international business organizations including Business at OECD (BIAC), The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and The International Organization of Employers (IOE), USCIB advances the US business perspective to policymakers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate commerce, support sustainable development, and build trust in multilateral systems. USCIB is also the national guaranteeing and issuing association for ATA Carnets, a unified international customs document that allows for the temporary import and export of various types of goods into a foreign country without paying duties or taxes. Learn more at www.uscib.org.