UN Global Compact Network Nigeria’s Post

On Tuesday, the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria convened a CEOs Roundtable in collaboration with the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria to drive conversations on accelerating SDG implementation through the six transition pathways. The roundtable brought together CEOs of participating and non-participating companies of the Global Compact to explore how the private sector can lead action across the six transition pathways—food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, health, and water and sanitation. Naomi E. Nwokolo. Esq, CEO/Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, emphasized the need for the private sector to rise to the urgency of the situation, especially at this final stretch to the 2030 Agenda. She stressed the importance of backing high-level commitments with tangible investments. OLAPEJU IBEKWE, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, also spoke on the emphasis for urgency, highlighting the six UN transition pathways as the most strategic levers for impact. Her remarks resounded that businesses must lead the way in driving sustainable development locally. In his address, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malik Fall, emphasized that in light of multiple ongoing global crises across various thematic areas—further compounded by the decline in international aid—progress towards the SDGs now hinges on one critical factor: collective and decisive action at the local level. The roundtable also featured a keynote address by Bola Adesola, Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria, a goodwill message by Dr. Oluwasoromidayo George (DBA), Board Chair of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria and a presentation by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, on how fiscal policies can catalyze investments and fast-track SDG progress through the six Transition pathways. Following the robust discussions around the six transition areas, companies identified key areas of alignment for strategic investment. To sustain momentum and drive coordinated action, cross-sector working groups have been established, each focused on transition areas of greatest relevance to the members. These groups will serve as platforms for collaboration, enabling companies to pool resources, align initiatives, and amplify collective impact. The UN Global Compact remains committed to working with the private sector to deliver on the SDGs by 2030. #SDGs #UNGC #PrivateSectorEngagement