UNDP, PCCI ink accord for sustainable development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines has signed an accord with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country's largest business group, on boosting the private sector's engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

In a news release on Friday, the UNDP said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by UNDP Philippines deputy resident representative Edwine Carrié and PCCI president Enunina Mangio during this week's 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo.

The UNDP said the MOU "will strengthen the longstanding collaboration between PCCI and UNDP Philippines in promoting awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and other development initiatives to the PCCI members and the private sector at large."

In 2015, the UN member-states adopted the SDGs with the aim of creating a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world by 2030.

The UNDP said the private sector plays a vital role in the path towards transformational change because sustainable development can only be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The accord will strengthen PCCI and UNDP's collaboration on SDG initiatives, including building awareness, increasing knowledge, and developing uptake for action on the SDGs.

Both parties will also co-design and jointly implement SDG activities including capacity building and advocacy with the private sector, especially medium, small, micro enterprises (MSMEs).

In close collaboration with the Philippine government, the two organizations will undertake technical collaboration to support SDG monitoring and reporting, especially for PCCI members, in concretely measuring and monitoring their impact relative to the metrics for SDGs.

PCCI and UNDP will also support strengthening of the SDG data ecosystem in the country, including platforms involving the private sector to effectively report contributions to the SDGs.

"UNDP strongly believes that the private sector plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress towards the SDGs in the Philippines. The business case for the SDGs is well-established and compelling. We see the SDGs unlocking new opportunities and driving significant efficiency gains through innovation. Embracing the SDGs is not only the path to economic growth but also to long-term business sustainability," said Carrié.
 
Globally, UNDP said its strategy for private sector engagement is to make markets work for the SDGs by assisting countries in aligning private sector activities and investments with the 2030 Agenda. Its vision is to make the SDG framework as the business sector's guiding principle for their strategies and operations.
 
"PCCI aims to empower businesses to take a more active role in achieving the SDGs, ensuring that industries across the Philippines contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth, sustainable practices, and the improvement of livelihoods across all sectors. Our collaboration will focus on harnessing innovation, mobilizing resources, and supporting policy frameworks that encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices," said Mangio. — VDV, GMA Integrated News