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South African Business Places a High Priority on Achieving the SDGs

Dr. Achieng Ojwang, the Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa (GCNSA) in Johannesburg, emphasized the need for collaboration between South Africa’s public and private sector, government, academia, and civil society to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She made these remarks on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, during the launch of the private sector’s voluntary national review (VNR) on South Africa’s progress towards the SDGs.

The Private Sector VNR on the SDGs is a significant contribution to South Africa’s National VNR Report for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver in 2025. The SDGs aim to address poverty, inequality, environmental protection, and ensuring health, justice, and prosperity for all.

The UN’s Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, noted that the world is not on track to meet many of the SDGs by the 2030 deadline. The Private Sector VNR was handed over to Minister Maropene Ramokgopa for further review.

Ramokgopa expressed the importance of the document in South Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future, highlighting the country’s ambition to be a leader in achieving the SDGs. She emphasized the role of the private sector in realizing the UN’s Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs.

The report presented innovative business solutions to challenges such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and climate change. Despite progress in reducing poverty and improving access to healthcare and education, there is still work to be done to achieve the SDGs.

Dr. Ojwang emphasized the slow global progress towards the SDGs and the need to accelerate efforts. With the private sector report now part of South Africa’s overall report, GCNSA will engage with businesses to enhance their impact on achieving the SDGs.

The report highlighted the growing number of companies reporting on their contributions to the SDGs, reflecting a shift towards businesses playing a positive social role. The private sector’s highest priorities include decent work and economic growth, climate action, and partnerships for the goals.

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