UN forging closer private sector partnerships in SVG

The United Nations, moving to forge closer partnerships with the Private Sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), recently held an ‘open-house’ forum at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Diamond.

In a release from its local representative, the UN said the forum was done in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and had as its theme “SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: A Focus on St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Private Sector Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals”.

The aim was to promote sustainable business practices, foster strategic partnerships and strengthen collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector to deliver SDG policy and financing solutions.

The initiative brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce, private sector companies including MSMEs, government officials, students, and various UN agencies. It also featured a dedicated networking session.

Addressing the forum, Executive Director of the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Anthony Regisford highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the Chamber and the UN in advancing the SDGs. Noting shifting global dynamics and trade inequities, which could impede private sector progress, he however cautioned, “We are very often on the short end of the stick… the goalposts keep shifting”.

As he called for a realistic, grounded approach to partnership, the private sector leader praised the efforts of UN agencies and other development partners, while urging all stakeholders to remain aware of the broader context in which the global goals must be pursued.

In his remarks Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Kenroy Roach stressed the urgent need for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate SDG progress in SVG, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges. Citing the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable business practices, he urged private sector leaders to play an active role in building resilient, inclusive value chains. Referencing regional examples of success, he noted that green innovation leads to real cost savings and expanded opportunities. “Investing in sustainability is not just good for the planet — it’s good for business,” he asserted.

In a wide-ranging address, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology, Camillo Gonsalves underscored the need for a renewed, practical partnership between government and the private sector to advance the SDGs, acknowledging past gaps in business involvement.

He maintained that the private sector was largely excluded during the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, stating, “You were not really involved… The private sector is barely mentioned”. Citing global setbacks, under-funded multi-lateral systems, and shifting geo-political dynamics, he called for innovative local investment and active collaboration to align business interests with national development. “Why are we coming to the private sector? Because that’s where the money is,” he said, urging businesses to embrace sustainability, digitization, and inclusive growth.

Means of strengthening existing UN engagement with the private sector in St Vincent and the Grenadines, for sustainable impact, was the focus of an engaging Davos-styled panel discussion, that also highlighted the various means of support being afforded to local businesses. Panellists included members of the Global Compact – Caribbean Network, as well as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); UN Women; World Food Programme (WFP); and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The need to foster inclusive workplaces, and to consider innovative financing mechanisms were underscored.

The private sector’s role in enhancing disaster resilience in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was also emphasized by Emma Hansen, Associate Officer for Early Warning Systems, UNDRR. She warned: “Enterprises should not wait for a disaster to strike before taking action. By investing in disaster risk reduction, businesses protect their assets and operations while saving future costs”.

Presentations were also made by the local private sector on good sustainability practices.

Vaibhav Garg, Group Director of Human Resources at Canouan Estate, the first business in SVG to sign onto the UN Global Compact, highlighted his company’s commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism, and community integration. Kimon Baptiste, founder and Creative Director of Kimmysticclo showcased her company’s longstanding partnership with UN Women, which has afforded her access to international markets, training, and resources to further integrate sustainability into fashion.