Business and civil society executives from across Africa joined United Nations leaders at a virtual United Nations Global Compact gathering today to call for greater commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in response to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just over 2,000 executives and experts from 35 African countries attended the virtual ‘Making Global Goals Local Business – Africa’ meeting.
Speakers included UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Africa Group BMCE, Othman Benjelloun, CEO of Equity Bank Congo, Celestin Mukeba, Vice President, Unilever West Africa, Siddarth Ramaswamy, and CEO of EABL, Jane Karuku.
Opening the meeting, Mohammed said, “We must be vigilant to prevent COVID-19 from slowing Africa’s momentum. Governments, financial institutions, and the private sector must stay the course – driving sustainable investment … maintaining access to international markets … putting the brakes on corruption … and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises. And always, we must invest sustainably in poor and marginalised communities, leaving no one behind.”
CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, said, “African industry represents a vital link to the chain of more than 11,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories to the UN Global Compact.
“During today’s summit, we heard from leaders from Morocco to Mauritius and were inspired by speakers making progress on investing in youth, furthering energy production using sustainable ocean business practices, and tackling climate change and gender equality issues. It’s clear that African science and technology paired with responsible business solutions can solve education, labour, and operational challenges.”
Kenyan media personality and news anchor, Yvonne Okwara, hosted the event, and the African Children’s Choir performed at the event.
