UN Hosts Private Sector Engagement in Antigua and Barbuda 

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UN Hosts Private Sector Engagement in Antigua and Barbuda 

Over 30 private sector companies in Antigua and Barbuda recently joined with Government representatives, United Nations officials, and other development partners, for a Private Sector Engagement under the theme:  “Private Sector Partnership for Sustainable Development”.

The  June 3 UN-led forum, focused on the Sustainable Development Gals (SDGs), with vital knowledge exchange between UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes,  and local businesses, to enable integrated support for sustainable business practices and SDG funding and financing.

Private Sector companies also learnt about the benefits of corporate sustainability and gained greater insight into opportunities for aligning the SDGs into their business models.

In delivering remarks, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Simon Springett, while noting challenges facing the sector, emphasized the potential for  aligning business operations with the SDGs both in terms of unlocking private capital, and  providing socially responsible solutions that translated into real-world benefits.

“Sustainability opens doors to new sources of capital. Each year, over $1 billion in climate and SDG-aligned financing is available to the Caribbean, primarily for businesses that align with sustainability principles.

Consumer preferences are also shifting. Globally, 73% of travelers now seek eco-friendly accommodation, and international buyers increasingly favor sustainable, ethically produced goods.

For the Caribbean, embedding these values into our value chains is essential to boosting export competitiveness and accelerating tourism recovery,” he stated.

Senator Dwayne George, in his remarks, acknowledged the Government’s awareness of the challenges faced by the private sector, providing assurance that deliberate steps are being taken to address these challenges.

He  noted: “In recent times, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has advanced several proactive measures to deepen public-private collaboration, particularly through innovative partnership models.”

 Senator George cited the promotion of innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), strengthening of institutional mechanisms and improving access to finance, as among the key initiatives being undertaken.

Immediately following the opening remarks, presentations were made by several participating UN Agencies, private sector companies, as well as from the UN Caribbean Global Compact Network.

Participants also had ample opportunities to interact during the networking segment, learning more about available tools and resources, as well as opportunities for further dialogue and collaboration, to foster sustainable business practices in Antigua and Barbuda and the Eastern Caribbean. 

Ms. Joy-Marie King, Director of International Trade and SDG Focal Point in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in her presentation, outlined the role of the private sector in sustainable development and encouraged businesses to adopt sustainable business practices and work collaboratively with the government and development partners towards the achievement of the SDGs.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Andrea Andrew, UN Country Coordination Officer, underlined that sustainable partnership was at the heart of development.

She encouraged participants to keep the momentum going, and to let  engagement be the first step towards a strong and collaborative partnership between the UN and the Private Sector.

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