UN holds private sector forum in Antigua and Barbuda

Over 30 private sector companies in Antigua and Barbuda recently participated in a collaborative forum alongside government representatives, United Nations officials, and other development partners. According to a UN press release, the event was held under the theme: “Private Sector Partnership for Sustainable Development.”

The UN-led forum took place on June 3 and focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange between UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, and local businesses, aiming to facilitate integrated support for sustainable business practices, SDG funding, and financing opportunities.

Private sector participants also learned about the benefits of corporate sustainability and gained deeper insights into how they can incorporate the SDGs into their business models.

In delivering remarks, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Simon Springett, acknowledged the challenges facing the sector but emphasized its potential for positive change. He stated, “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.”

Senator Dwayne George recognized the government’s awareness of private sector challenges and assured that deliberate steps are being taken to address them. He remarked, “In recent times, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has advanced several proactive measures to deepen public-private collaboration, particularly through innovative partnership models.” He further highlighted efforts such as promoting innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), strengthening institutional mechanisms, and improving access to finance as key initiatives.

Following the opening remarks, several presentations were delivered by participating UN Agencies, private sector companies, and representatives from the UN Caribbean Global Compact Network. Participants also engaged in a networking segment, providing opportunities to explore available tools and resources, and to foster further dialogue and collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable business practices in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

Ms. Joy-Marie King, Director of International Trade and SDG Focal Point at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the crucial role of the private sector in sustainable development. She encouraged businesses to adopt sustainable practices and collaborate closely with government and development partners to advance the SDGs.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Andrea Andrew, UN Country Coordination Officer, emphasized that sustainable partnerships are fundamental to development. She urged participants to maintain the momentum generated during the event and to view engagement as the first step toward establishing strong, collaborative relationships between the UN and the private sector.