Private Sector Sustainable Development Forum Convenes in Guyana to Advance SDGs Alignment

The half-day Forum, aimed at advancing corporate alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Guyana, was hosted by the United Nations in Guyana, in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). It brought together close to 30 participants, including business leaders, policymakers, and development partners. Participants engaged in strategic dialogue on the role of private enterprise in building inclusive, sustainable economies through responsible business conduct.

The event is part of efforts to operationalise the UN-GCCI Joint Declaration of Intent and to raise awareness of how businesses - especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) - can align operations with global standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Kathy Smith, President, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed the importance of aligning local businesses with global ethical standards, highlighting the Chamber’s code of conduct and its commitment to inclusivity. She emphasized GCCI’s ongoing support for key populations and commended the government’s active role in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) reviews and partnerships with the United Nations.

Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in implementing the Pact for the Future and advancing the SDGs. “Through responsible investment, inclusive business models, and sustainable supply chains, the private sector can help translate the Pact’s vision into tangible results. In doing so, businesses contribute not only to global development, but to long-term market stability, resilience, and shared prosperity,” she said.

She added that by aligning operations with the SDGs, integrating Environment, Social and Governance principles, and partnering with the United Nations and other development actors, businesses in Guyana can ensure that this era of prosperity translates into long-term, people-centered development that leaves no one behind.

Kyana Bowen, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Caribbean said, “The Private Sector Sustainable Development Forum marks a pivotal step in deepening the Caribbean business community’s engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals. Here in Guyana, we see strong momentum among companies eager to integrate responsible business practices that respect human rights, advance gender equality, and build climate resilience. The UN Global Compact Network Caribbean is proud to support this collective journey—because when business aligns with sustainability, everyone benefits.” 

In addition to spotlighting existing good practices among UN Global Compact member companies, the Forum highlighted UN programme initiatives that are actively engaging the private sector to create sustainable development outcomes. Agencies including UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women, UNFPA, and IFC, World Bank Group presented concrete opportunities for collaboration in areas such as youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and social protection.

In breakout sessions, participants explored how SDG principles can be embedded across supply chains, workforce strategies, and community investment. Inclusive participation was a central focus, with representation from enterprises owned or led by women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities.

The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability platform, with over 25,000 participating companies in more than 160 countries. The Caribbean Network currently includes 51 participants, four of which are based in Guyana. The GCCI, the country’s leading business support organization, represents nearly 1,000 member companies.

The Forum concluded with a call for stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships and an invitation to Guyanese businesses to join the UN Global Compact and commit to driving sustainable, inclusive growth.