UNDP, Global Compact partner to collaborate on national development priorities in 2030 agenda

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has entered into a partnership with the Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (UNGC) to collaborate on national development priorities.

This partnership will provide a framework of corporation and facilitate greater collaboration between the two entities, to further align private sector sustainability initiatives with 2030 development agenda. In turn, the private sector, through the network, will support and guide UNDP’s programmatic areas to complement private sector initiatives for Sri Lanka to achieve sustainable human development. 

Under this partnership, UNDP and UNGC will also host high-level knowledge dialogues and facilitate greater Public-Private Partnerships on national development priorities.

The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, helping to align business with Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to catalyse actions in support of broader UN goals.

Speaking about this collaboration, United Nations Global Compact Network Ceylon Chairperson Dr. Rohan Fernando said: “For private sector it is relationships that matter. Today is significant because, we are formalising a longstanding relationship with UNDP through this partnership. Together with our members, I look forward to a greater collaboration.” 

With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP’s goal is to enable the private sector to become transformative partners in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in order to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. This partnership aims to position UNDP as a key development partner for the private sector, while maximising the impact of the private sector on sustainable development.

Jorn Sorensen, Country Director of UNDP speaking at the event on this partnership stated, “Investing in such partnerships are a win-win and this is the start of a new movement. By connecting businesses with development partners, we can create an environment that unleashes the potential of the private sector whilst strengthening the development priorities. Everyone stands to benefit.”