Business and Investment Forum Brings Private Sector Solutions to UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

(Vienna, 4 November 2014) – On 4 November, representatives from business, Government, the UN and civil society came together at the Business and Investment Forum in Vienna, Austria to share best practices and collaborate on private sector solutions to the unique challenges faced by landlocked developing countries.

Organized by the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the UN Global Compact and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Forum took place during the Second UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) that brought over 1,000 participants together under the theme of “Linking Landlocked Countries to Global Opportunities.”

Participants of the Forum discussed the challenges and opportunities of LLDCs at four thematic sessions on infrastructure, good governance, sustainable growth and access to capital, as well as a high-level luncheon hosted by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. At the luncheon, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon provided opening remarks to a room of over 170 business leaders, Government heads, and UN agencies, stressing the importance of the private sector as a crucial partner in driving progress in LLDCs. He encouraged the private sector to work more closely with the UN to achieve a more sustainable future.

Ole Hansen, Head of Global Compact LEAD invited business to engage with the UN Global Compact through its Local Networks and to support the implementation of the anticipated sustainable development goals.  “The cost of failing to advance sustainable development in LLDCs is steep, but so is the potential for both companies and societies if the private sector can turn these challenges into new business opportunities,” said Hansen.  

The Forum was the result of a ten-year review of the Almaty Programme of Action on addressing the needs of LLDCs, which reinforced business as a key partner in implementing a new Programme of Action over the next decade.

• See full agenda
• See list of participants

Contact 

Naoko Kimura
Relationship Manager – Asia & Oceania
UN Global Compact
kimura@unglobalcompact.org