Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact in New York on June 8, 2018. (Photo: UN Global Compact)

New York (People’s Daily) - Almost three years into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress has been made on the Global Goals, but in many areas, progress is happening far too slowly, warns Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact ahead of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly.

“The Leaders’ Summit offers an excellent opportunity for CEOs from the world of business to engage with government and UN agency heads to connect the dots between our Ten Principles for responsible business and the Global Goals,” said Kingo.

On September 24, the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit — including the UN Private Sector Forum and UN Global Compact CEO Roundtable — where more than 300 business leaders, Heads of State and government leaders and representatives will convene to discuss the business progress made toward achieving the goals in place.

Amongst other high-level representatives, the Summit will be attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres — the Chair of the Board of the UN Global Compact — UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg and the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

“Stronger, bolder action from the global business community is critical to picking up the pace and getting the world on track to deliver the 2030 Agenda,” said Kingo.

Convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Private Sector Forum luncheon will engage leaders in a high-level discussion about the critical role the private sector plays in building and investing in peace — a major agenda item of the 73rd regular session of the UN General Assembly and the inter-governmental Nelson Mandela Peace Summit taking place the same day.

Other highlights of the day will include the UN Global Compact CEO Roundtable with a focus on human rights as a driver for successful business, while the UN Global Compact in Action — Driving Progress and Scaling Impact session will explore innovative solutions for tackling global issues at scale, with a specific focus on the climate, oceans, water and health, as well as financial innovation, measurement and corporate reporting the progress made so far on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Leaders’ Summit will serve as a platform for celebrating business leaders from around championing the Global Goals and inspiring others to join the movement. 10 new UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers will be recognized at the Leaders’ Summit Welcome Breakfast.

“By showcasing the pioneering actions and progress of these inspirational business leaders, we aim to energize others to align their strategies with the Global Goals and do their part,” Kingo said.

The Compact will also release its 2018 Progress Report, which shows that the Global Goals have created new ways of working, with all sectors exploring opportunities to scale up their collective impact through cross-sector partnerships — with business as a vital partner across all 17 goals.