In advance of the SDG Summit, focused on people and re-inspiring enthusiasm and action for  the second half of the 2030 Agenda, this virtual hour will go around the world to feature local  impact stories and new opportunities for accelerating the SDGs based on current projects  connected to the SDGs under review at the 2023 High-Level Political Forum. Through dialogue,  collective planning and implementation at the country level, UN Resident Coordinators,  Employers Federations/Chambers and Global Compact Local Networks can effectuate progress  towards the SDGs. Hear local stories from our partners in numerous countries on their journey  towards progress confronting the many challenges, as well as updates from the LDC+5 Private  Sector Forum and Regional Forums on Sustainable Development.

Approaching the midpoint of SDG implementation, how is our progress so far? How bad has the  pandemic and the war in Ukraine affected development globally? Going forward, what role does  the world need the private sector to play? This stage-setting session will feature opening  remarks from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by an inter-generational fact-finding journey to explore “where we are” and “where we need to be” guided by the  Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake.

Interconnected sustainable development challenges often offer opportunities for integrated  strategies and systemic progress. This session will take a deep dive on relevant goals under in depth review at HLPF, such as water, energy and infrastructure, exploring innovative practices  and lessons learned in understanding and managing their impact on the planet, across value  chains, harnessing the interconnections among SDGs to build synergies. It will highlight actions  needed from business leaders and governments to ensure a just transition to a net zero and  nature-positive world.

Individuality, independence, trust, partnership, choice, dignity, respect, and rights are all critical  if we are to accelerate SDG implementation in a people-centered manner. All hands must be on  deck from the public and private sector from large to small companies, to governments in cities, to regional hubs, to global institutions. But what is needed for us to partner better and take  action to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind? This dialogue will highlight the “What?  Who? How?” on potential and existing partnerships that can fast-track SDG implementation.

What constitutes an enabling environment to scale up private financing for the SDGs? What  policies and financial instruments have worked? What steps need to be taken for investors to hold companies more accountable for their environmental, social and governance impacts? This  session will provide a platform for practitioners to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities,  share lessons learned and best practices, and make policy recommendations to further unlock  the potential of private financing for the SDGs.

Led by the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Assistant-Secretary-General Sanda  Ojiambo with private sector, Government and youth leaders, join us for a dynamic closing where  the private sector will be challenged to raise their ambition levels. Calls to action featured in the  SDG Global Business Forum will demonstrate the viability of tangible, reportable, accountable  action in five areas - living wage, gender equality, climate, water, and sustainable finance.