World leaders convened in New York for General Assembly week to discuss ways to increase global cooperation and accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Representing more than 45 million companies worldwide, ICC was in New York to highlight the crucial role the private sector is playing in driving the goals.
ICC was invited to participate in a number of high-level meetings on issues ranging from financing for development to global trade. Here are four key highlights from the week.
Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO emphasised the need for a predictable, efficient and stable international tax system, as a necessary path for economic growth and long-term investment.
ICC Chair Maria Fernanda Garza joined world leaders, Ms Garza highlighted the annual US$4.2 trillion gap needed to fund SDGs in developing nations.
She also added that to achieve the SDGs, focus was needed on three priority areas: providing incentives to create a stable investment environment, working with other businesses and governments to fight climate change and other sustainable development crises, and shifting the conversation about SDGs into a wider redesign of the global financial structure.
Mr Denton also outlined three key areas of improvement: reducing trade barriers, creating more entrepreneurial opportunities and fixing the global trade finance gap.
ICC was granted Observer Status at the United Nations in December 2016 —providing business with direct access into the UN system for the very first time and providing an opportunity to shape global policies that work with the private sector to drive sustainable development and extend prosperity for all.
