UN Hosts Private Sector Engagement in Antigua and Barbuda
Over 30 private sector companies in Antigua and Barbuda recently joined with Government
representatives, United Nations officials, and other development partners, for a Private Sector
Engagement under the theme: “Private Sector Partnership for Sustainable Development”.
The June 3 UN-led forum, focused on the Sustainable Development Gals (SDGs), with vital
knowledge exchange between UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and local businesses, to
enable integrated support for sustainable business practices and SDG funding and financing.
Private Sector companies also learnt about the benefits of corporate sustainability and gained
greater insight into opportunities for aligning the SDGs into their business models.
In delivering remarks, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mr.
Simon Springett, while noting challenges facing the sector, emphasized the potential for
aligning business operations with the SDGs both in terms of unlocking private capital, and
providing socially responsible solutions that translated into real-world benefits.
“Sustainability opens doors to new sources of capital. Each year, over $1 billion in climate and
SDG-aligned financing is available to the Caribbean, primarily for businesses that align with
sustainability principles. Consumer preferences are also shifting. Globally, 73% of travelers
now seek eco-friendly accommodation, and international buyers increasingly favor sustainable,
ethically produced goods. For the Caribbean, embedding these values into our value chains is
essential to boosting export competitiveness and accelerating tourism recovery,” he stated.
Senator Dwayne George, in his remarks, acknowledged the Government’s awareness of the
challenges faced by the private sector, providing assurance that deliberate steps are being taken
to address these challenges. He noted: “In recent times, the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda has advanced several proactive measures to deepen public-private collaboration,
particularly through innovative partnership models.” Senator George cited the promotion of
innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), strengthening of institutional mechanisms and
improving access to finance, as among the key initiatives being undertaken.
Immediately following the opening remarks, presentations were made by several participating
UN Agencies, private sector companies, as well as from the UN Caribbean Global Compact
Network.
Participants also had ample opportunities to interact during the networking segment, learning
more about available tools and resources, as well as opportunities for further dialogue and
collaboration, to foster sustainable business practices in Antigua and Barbuda and the Eastern
Caribbean.
- United Nations House • Marine Gardens • Christ Church • Barbados • Tel: 246 467-6000 • Email: rco.bb@one.un.org
Ms. Joy-Marie King, Director of International Trade and SDG Focal Point in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, in her presentation, outlined the role of the private sector in sustainable
development and encouraged businesses to adopt sustainable business practices and work
collaboratively with the government and development partners towards the achievement of the
SDGs.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Andrea Andrew, UN Country Coordination Officer, underlined
that sustainable partnership was at the heart of development. She encouraged participants to
keep the momentum going, and to let engagement be the first step towards a strong and
collaborative partnership between the UN and the Private Sector.
